Considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with disorders of substance use and addictive behaviours
In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, severe intergenerational trauma through dispossession is a potent driver of substance use and harms. Gambling is more common than in the general population, and treatment-seeking is lowAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)Hing, 2014. Tobacco is the most used substance. Alcohol use is less prevalent than in the general population, but people who use alcohol (or other substances1) have a higher risk of harmsAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 2020Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)Haber, 2021. For resources to support culturally sensitive management of smoking, alcohol and other drug use, see Substance use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: additional resources for clinicians.