- AI/AN populations face high opioid misuse rates and disproportionate barriers to accessing medication-assisted treatment.
- Few studies assess MAT effectiveness in AI/AN communities; most research addresses systemic barriers to care.
- Integration of Indigenous cultural traditions, holistic wellness approaches and telehealth expansion are recommended to improve MAT access and engagement.
Am Indian Alsk Native Ment Health Res. 2026;33(2):101-146. doi: 10.5820/aian.3302.2026.101.
ABSTRACT
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people experience high rates of opioid misuse and disproportionate barriers to treatment services, yet our understanding of the effectiveness of and barriers to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Indian Country is limited. The aim of this scoping review was to synthesize research on MAT for opioid use disorders within AI/AN communities across the United States and examine how this treatment approach has been put into practice, studied, or addressed within those populations. A total of 153 articles were reviewed, and 27 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies included were conducted across the United States, representing all age groups, and encompassing both urban and rural AI/AN community groups engaged in MAT for opioid use disorder. Only a small number of studies focused on effectiveness of MAT for AI/AN populations, with the vast majority focusing on various systemic barriers. Findings also revealed the need to integrate Indigenous cultural traditions and holistic wellness approaches in MAT. Based on this review, we provide recommendations for future MAT interventions including the expansion of telehealth and incorporating unique elements of AI/AN culture to help bridge the gaps in access to care.
PMID:42956283 | DOI:10.5820/aian.3302.2026.101
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