The excessive use of alcohol has affected Aboriginal people
in many ways. The negative impact on the health and wellbeing
of many communities has been significant.
Acts of alcohol-related violence, over-representation of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal
justice system and other forms of societal breakdown are manifestations
of the pain, anger and grief experienced by Aboriginal people
arising from the process of colonisation. This disturbing
burden contributes to the unacceptable levels of harm currently
caused by alcohol use by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face interrelated
physical, social, emotional, economic, and environmental health
inequalities at an individual, family and community level.
In recognition of the complex challenges faced by Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the National Drug Strategy:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Complementary
Action Plan 2003-2006 has been developed to provide clear
direction for action to reduce drug-related harm in indigenous
communities.
The following principles must underlie any action to address
the harmful and hazard use of alcohol in Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander populations:
- use of alcohol must be addressed as part of a comprehensive,
holistic approach to health that includes physical, spiritual,
cultural, emotional and social wellbeing, community development
and capacity building;
- local planning is required to develop responses to needs
and priorities set by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities;
- culturally valid strategies that are effective for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples must be developed, implemented
and evaluated;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must be centrally
involved in planning, development and implementation of strategies
to address the use of alcohol in their communities;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities should
have control over their health, alcohol and related services;
and
resources to address the use of alcohol must be available
of basis of need, and at the level required to reduce disproportionate
levels of alcohol-related harm by Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples.
(Information taken from Australian Government Department
of Health and Ageing, National Drug Strategy: Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Complementary Action
Plan 2003-2006).
For further detail and examples of actions and key
action areas identified in the National Drug Strategy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Complementary Action Plan 2003-2009 visit:
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