Spirituality in the native culture is very important

self-governing, and have a strong sense of community (Liddell & Burnette, 2017). Spirituality in
the native culture is very important, most tribes have a combination of Christianity and animist
beliefs, believing everyone and everything has a soul and is connected by “the great spirit”
(Struthers & Lowe, 2003). The lifestyle of this population is centered around community, with a
strong family bond, which help other members of the tribe in times of need (Struthers & Lowe,
2003). Native people have been known to have a more holistic approach to healthcare, and
usually prefer natural remedies before western medicine (Ball, et al., 2015, p. 27).
In the scenario, the patient explains that he partakes in drugs and alcohol use. Native
Americans historically have had high rates of drug and alcohol abuse (Liddell & Burnette, 2017).
Because of this, it is often stereotyped that Native patients are alcoholics and drug addicts

(Liddell & Burnette, 2017). In the interview, I would be careful not to offend the patient when
asking about his drug and alcohol intake. He also explains that he has anxiety about his drug use
obstructing him from reaching “heaven” when he dies. In exploring this, I would be careful to
not offend him and ask him to explain more about his specific beliefs and if he has a certain
church or religion he follows. I would also want to be careful when discussing his family’s
medical history. Diabetes and hypertension are prevalent problems in the native community,