• – Stigma
• – Racial biases and negative stereotypes
• – Generational and historical trauma
• – Lack of health insurance or economic instability
• – Policies and laws that have weakened minority communities
• – Disproportionate criminalization of drug and alcohol use in BIPOC communities

• – Addiction and mental health issues are ignored or not addressed, because of cultural perception
• – Feeling unheard and unseen by health care professionals
• – Lack of cultural understanding by health care professionals
• – Mistrust in healthcare or governmental facilities
• – Cultural differences in how symptoms are discussed and presented
• – Feeling shame or hopelessness from negative stereotypes about race, mental illness, and/or substance use

Having treatment that is culturally specific to you and your needs can make a difference on your recovery journey. Feeling heard and giving space to your experience can help you heal. Below are culturally specific substance use treatment services that are in Pima County that can be utilized. In general, substance use treatment services in Pima County are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion to make sure their services are culturally responsive based on the individual. 

You can find all treatment providers here: Click here to search for treatment providers! 

This list is to highlight specific substance use treatment programs that provide culturally specific programming to BIPOC communities: 

Having culturally specific support services and organizations can help you connect with your communities. Having support and education from people who center your cultural experience can help guide you through recovery and overall wellbeing. This list highlights some of the culturally-specific services that provide support, education, and/or a community network that serve BIPOC communities.

The Wellbriety Movement is a culturally based healing program specific to indigenous indviduals. Wellbriety goes beyond sobriety and recovery and extends to committing to a life of wellness and healing. It supports healing within the individual, families, and whole communities. The program concentrates on the whole person and focuses on healing spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically to reach personal awareness, balance, and growth. It incorporates the teachings of Native culture, such as the Medicine Wheel, 12 Steps and Cycle of Life, and incorporates it to everyday life. This cultural approach centers your identity, values, and cultural traditions to heal from the harms of substance use, intergenerational and current trauma.  

Addressing generational trauma, abuse, and shame unique to indigenous communities is often overlooked while in treatment. The Wellbriety Movement allows for a culturally based approach addressing the root emotions of anger, guilt, and shame to make room for healing. It is inclusive of all cultures and invites anyone who could benefit from this approach. There are various programs that incorporate Wellbriety Movement into substance use treatment, as well as Wellbriety Circles that you can join. 

Resources for Wellbriety Circles: 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICES 

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal agency that provides health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives regardless of health insurance coverage through facilities operated by the IHS, tribal entities, or Urban Indian Health Programs. In order to access IHS or tribally operated facilities, you must be in-person and present proof of your enrollment as a member of a federally recognized tribe. 

IHS is not health insurance. Health insurance will pay for health care covered by your plan, and may cover services that IHS does not provide such as: 

• – Health specialists 
• – Health care for covered services without IHS Purchase/Referred Care authorization 
• – Health care when you are away from home 

You can use both IHS and other health insurance (Marketplace, Medicaid, and CHIP), and have a choice if you want to continue your care at the Indian health clinic or get healthcare somewhere else. Having health insurance can expand your options for needed care if IHS is not able to provide certain services. 

These are the local Pima County Indian Health Service, Tribal or Urban Indian Health Program facilities available: 

 Click
here to learn more facts about IHS

AHCCCS AMERICAN INDIAN HEALTH PROGRAM 

American Indian Health Program (AIHP) is one of the Medicaid insurance plans through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) that provides coverage for medically necessary, preventative, and behavioral health services. The main difference from AIHP to other insurance plans through AHCCCS is the coverage of services at American Indian Health Facilities that are listed under the “Indian Health Services” section. If these facilities do not offer services that are needed, you are able to receive services from any AHCCCS-registered providers that accept AIHP.  

To find services, you can: 

• – Call 1-800-334-5283 to find AHCCCS-registered providers that can accept AIHP 

• – Call a provider/agency and ask if they are contracted with AIHP 

If you want services from a provider that does not accept AIHP, you have the right to switch plans from AIHP to one of the other AHCCCS managed care plans. You also have the right to switch back to AIHP. You can only switch plans once a year. To learn how to switch plans and for more information on AIHP, please visit
their website. 

Please be aware of individuals promising sober living and residential facilities who are not licensed healthcare providers. Read the alert here: Click here to read the alert.  (en Español)