Native American youth have higher rates of substance use, including prescription opioid misuse, initiate substances at an earlier age on average, and are more likely to experience community factors and social networks that increase risk of substance use. In response to this, Define Your Direction emerged as a movement of peers, parents, community leaders, and educators to change the perception of alcohol use and prescription drug misuse in Oklahoma communities, with a special focus on the Chickasaw Native American population. The program is funded by SAMHSA and is in collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation and Southern Plains Tribal Health Board.

The program uses a multi-pronged approach to address youth substance use and related consequences:

• Prosocial activities to build community capacity - this includes training youth leaders, having a presence at social activities, setting up recreational events, and promoting connection through social media platforms
• A media campaign to raise awareness and promote prevention through in-person events, online resources, and social media platforms
• Limiting community access to prescription drugs through drop box locations and lock boxes
• Increasing naloxone distribution throughout the community

More details on the program and contact information can be found in the presentations here and here.