Prevalence and correlates of lifetime methampetamine use and nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers among American Indians and Alaska natives

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities experience a disproportionate burden of methamphetamine use and nonmedical prescription pain reliever misuse. Using 2005–2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data, this study examined prevalence and correlates of lifetime use among AIANs. Nearly 12% reported methamphetamine use, and over 18% reported nonmedical pain reliever use. Both behaviors were strongly associated with mental health problems, substance co‑use, arrest history, gender, age, and county type. These findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health and contextual factors in prevention efforts and may help guide culturally specific intervention strategies.