New Report Identifies Promising Strategies to Reduce Substance
and Alcohol Abuse among American Indians and Alaska Natives

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new report from the Justice Department showcases promising programs and initiatives that have proven effective for addressing substance and alcohol abuse problems among American Indians and Alaska Natives. The report, released today at the "Indian Self-Determination: Summit on Tribal Strategies to Reduce Alcohol, Substance Abuse and Violence," is part of an overall effort to develop a comprehensive approach to reduce substance abuse and violence in Indian country.

"Combining successful program elements with services that are culturally reflective of the Indian community is key to reducing substance abuse and increasing public safety," said Mary Lou Leary, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). "We hope the strategies outlined in this report will effectively contribute to the development of new initiatives to enhance the quality of life in our tribal communities."

The programs highlighted in this publication represent three types of policy initiatives designed to reduce substance abuse: efforts that control the availability of drugs and alcohol within a tribal jurisdiction; educational and treatment efforts; and efforts that reduce the social and environmental factors that increase the risk of harm to the individual and the community.

Programs described in the report include the Poarch Creek Indian Nation Drug Court Services Program.

In addition to program descriptions, the report also contains a literature review, a selected bibliography and a listing of resources for further information.

Copies of Promising Practices and Strategies to Reduce Alcohol and Substance Abuse Among American Indians and Alaska Natives are available electronically on OJP's Website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov. Paper copies are available from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service by (NCJRS) calling toll-free 1-800-851-3420. For more information about OJP's American Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Desk, go to www.ojp.usdoj.gov/americannative/.

Since 1984, the Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has provided federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, improve the criminal and juvenile justice systems, increase knowledge about crime and related issues and assist crime victims.

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