Native Americans and Alaska Natives are known to have significantly very high rates of alcohol and drug abuse and drug addiction than other ethnicities, an a circumstance which has to be aknowledged for these people to endure. While the causes may vary from person to individual, many of the reasons for the higher rates of substance abuse among Native American and Alaska Natives have to do with their culture. First of all, Native American and Alaska Native youth appear to have some of the highest rates of alcohol and drug abuse in the country. The most apparent obstacles to treating Native Americans and Alaska Natives for addiction are cultural ones and language. Due to this it is important that Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Noatak, Alaska receive treatment services in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that is understanding of their culture, but most importantly in one that considers the need to offer drug rehabilitation in their native tongue.