NCJ Number
198778
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 349-356
Date Published
December 2002
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article discusses patterns of substance use among remote Aboriginal community populations.
Abstract
There is ongoing concern about substance misuse in indigenous communities in eastern Arnhem Land region of the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia. Evidence has suggested a recent rise in cannabis use and a decline in kava use and possible changes in tobacco use. Data were from two samples in the region’s population: a random sample of people living in each community in the region; and data from a more detailed study in just one community. Tobacco use among indigenous populations elsewhere was reported to be 56 to 58 percent for males and 48 to 50 percent for females, with around half smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day. Results of this study suggest a greater but declining prevalence of tobacco use in the region and a lower average consumption level. Prevalence of alcohol use is lower than reported in other indigenous populations. Earlier studies reported a prevalence of kava use of 56 percent with a greater proportion of males than females. The changes in kava use that appear to have occurred since 1999 parallel the drop in the estimated size of the informal kava trade in Arnhem Land. The economic impact of kava use in remote communities has long been recognized as one of the important harms resulting from its abuse. Petrol sniffing remained among a small resilient cohort in the community. In the NT, over 36 percent of the population used cannabis within the previous 12 months. The effects of current and past petrol sniffing on emerging patterns of cannabis use, existing patterns of alcohol use, and a broad prevalence of tobacco consumption require careful monitoring to assist Aboriginal communities to establish priorities for intervention. 3 figures, 2 tables, 42 references