What can a recovery model for Alaska natives teach us about substance use and older adults?

Alcohol research in Alaska has shifted to strengths-based approaches—it will be important to learn what motivates older adults to maintain recovery rather than to relapse. Alaska Native older adults have a desire to pass on their accumulated wisdom to a younger generation through engagement and sharing of cultural activities and values, which could help to motivate and maintain sobriety. Using motivational interviewing with older adults can explore cultural motivations that support older Alaska Native adults’ desire to quit drinking, maintain recovery, and incorporate them into relapse prevention activities.