Aboriginal+People+and+Substance+Use


 * Aboriginal People and Substance Use**

It is undeniable that substance abuse has had a devastating effect on many Aboriginal communities. The substances used by Aboriginal peoples vary, just as they do in all communities, but some of the more prevalent choices evident in research are alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, and stimulants, with alcohol and inhalants being the substance used the most (Garrett & Carroll, 2000). In saying this, it is important to note that every Aboriginal community is unique in the patterns of use and how often substance use occurs greatly vary (Jiwa, Kelly, & St Pierre-Hansen, 2008).

It is also important to recognize the effect that society’s negative view of the issue of substance abuse among Aboriginal peoples has done to reinforce the stigmas associated with Aboriginal peoples that suffer from substance abuse problems (Garrett & Carroll, 2000). There is a certain shame and negative preconception associated with having problems with substance use and also identifying as an Aboriginal person (Garrett & Carroll, 2000) (McCormick, 2000). The representation of the “drunken Indian” is one of the perpetual stereotypes that continue to plague Aboriginal peoples (Garrett & Carroll, 2000).

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 * Myths Concerning Aboriginal Alcohol Consumption**

1. Aboriginals have a greater than average attraction to alcoholic beverages 2. Aboriginals have, as a whole, a biological predisposition for alcohol dependency 3. Aboriginals drinking patters are only a result of social and psychological predispositions 4. Aboriginals are out of control drinkers who are prone to violence when inebirated 5. Aboriginals drinking behaviours are different from caucasian drinking behaviours 6. Aboriginals need to maintain abstenance and cannot use alcohol at a moderate or social level 7. Aboriginals treatment should be conducted in an intensive four-six week in patient treatment setting that promotes abstinence 8. If the aboriginal relapses after treatment, it needs to start again from the beginning 9. Aboriginals alcohol abuse is purely dysfunctional

(Lawson & Lawson, 2010)


 * Statistics of Alcohol Use in Aboriginal Communities**

Alcohol has been noted as the number one health concern facing the Aboriginal population (Garrett & Carol, 2000). Contrary to popular belief, the rate of alcohol use is actually lower among Aboriginal communities at 66% compared to the general population at 79%(First Nations, Métis, and Inuit GBA, 2009). However, alcohol misuse is very severe among Aboriginal communities that do use alcohol. Alcohol-related deaths among Aboriginal people are six times higher compared to the general population. Alcohol-related deaths are due to suicide, accidents- such as drinking and driving, and engaging in risky behavior. In Aboriginal communities, men are more likel to drink alcohol than women. The proportion of heavy drinkers among Aboriginal people is more than double compared to the general population 16% versus 6%, with Aboriginal men being more than twice as likely to be heavy drinkers compared to women (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit GBA, 2009). Approximately 75-80% of Aboriginal suicides involve substance use of some kind, while the experience of chronic liver disease is 4.5 times higher than the general population (Garrett & Carol, 2000). Consitently, the highest level of substance use is associated with Aboriginal peoples who identified more with Western values, indicating a lack of connection to culture and tradition (Garrett & Carol, 2000).

Solvent use is most common among those who are the youngest, while alcohol use is more common for those who are older in Aboriginal communties. Solvent use is especially prevalent among Aboriginal youth in remote Northern reserves. Solvents are often use by youth because they are easily accessible. They can be purchased in the hardware store or stolen quite easily (Kuhn, Swartzwelder, & Wilson, 2003). According to Dell, et al. (2011), the age that many Aboriginal youth begin to experiment with solvents is 12 years to 16 years of age. Use of solvents is increased among those who experience disenfranchised life conditions. Solvent use in the Aboriginal community is also linked to poverty, boredom, low self esteem, family break down, and poor social structures. Youth who use solvents are more likely to come from families that experience problems with substance use, and have histories of mental, physical, social, and spiritual abuse and dislocation (Dell et al., 2011).
 * Aboriginal Youth and Solvent Use**