Native Americans and Alaska Natives have considerably increased rates of abuse and alcohol and drug addiction than other ethnicities, an a circumstance which has to be addressed for these people to survive. Although the causes may differ from individual to individual, the majority of of the causes for the significantly higher rates of substance abuse amongst Native American and Alaska Natives related to their culture. First of all, Native American and Alaska Native adolescents appear to have some of the highest rates of drug and alcohol abuse in the country. The most evident obstacles to helping Native Americans and Alaska Natives for addiction are cultural differences and language. For this reason it is crucial that Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Mahnomen, Minnesota receive rehab treatment in a drug treatment program that is culturally acceptable, and more importantly in one that takes into the account the need to provide alcohol and drug treatment in their native tongue.