Let's Be Clear
There's strength in spirit.
Substance use touches many lives — especially in Native communities.
45%
45% of South Dakotans admitted for substance use disorder treatment in 2023 were Native Americans, despite making up only 8% of the population 1
2x
Native American youth in South Dakota are almost 2x as likely to feel sad or hopeless 2
4x
4x as many Native Americans die from overdoses as white South Dakotans 3
But these numbers don't define us.
Our strength makes us who we are.
The strength to take the first step, to ask for help, to support each other and to believe in ourselves.
In Lakota teachings, wowačíŋtaŋka is the strength to keep going, even when the path is hard. It's confidence in the face of fear and the courage it takes to ask for help.
That strength lives in us — and it's a powerful tool in recovery.
Resilience Runs Deep
Facing substance use takes bravery
Healing is a process — it doesn't have to happen all at once
Your culture and community walk with you in recovery
Some days are hard, but we always keep trying
Courage
Patience
Guidance
Perseverance
Ron's Story
It's never too late to find recovery. Ronald Goodsell is living proof.
Ron's recovery: Rooted in tradition and community.
"I had to take a look at the pain that I caused, pull myself out of that guilt and be the driving force behind recovery in our community."
"We need to meet the people who are stuggling where they're at and continue to love them. And tell them that they can love themselves."
"Addiction is everywhere. It happens to doctors, lawyers, not just people on the street. It happens to everybody."
"If we lift up the people who are struggling, our community will start to heal."
Voices of Courage
"Substance use picks whoever it wants. It can affect anyone. And when someone reaches a hand out, we are responsible for helping them."
— Heaven-Lee Pipe,
Dakota Plains Recovery Group
Assiniboine Sioux – Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
"You have to give yourself a chance at recovery. You deserve kindness, love and compassion, and there's going to be a time that it sticks.
I got my family back, and I got myself back."
— Dave Williams, Founder Dakota Plains Transitional Living Centers
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
"The first step is the hardest part. I struggled for years trying to do it myself, but once I reached out for help... I felt so welcome and part of something. Now I've just really been thriving."
— Laurelei Thompson, Dakota Plains Recovery Group
Yakama/Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
Culture,
Community
& Recovery
are
Connected
Strength isn't just about standing alone. It's knowing when to lean on your people, your teachings and your spirit.
Whether you're looking for help, supporting someone in recovery or want to make an impact on the people around you, everyone plays a part.
Take the First Step
If you're struggling or know someone who is, help is here.
Treatment Options Near You
Treatment Options Near You
Lift Up Our Community
Staying prepared and starting the conversation can be powerful.
Find a Naloxone Pharmacy
Prevention Tips & Talking Points
Find a Naloxone Pharmacy
Prevention Tips & Talking Points
Walk Together
Recovery is a journey — and you don't have to do it alone.
Support Programs & Tools
Support Programs & Tools
Sources:
1) https://www.samhsa.gov/data/node/51504
2) https://doh.sd.gov/media/gmefz2mq/2022-sudors-data-report.pdf
3) https://www.sdseow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-SEOW-Executive-Summary.pdf
ALWAYS CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY 911 DISPATCHERS.
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