Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
71
Research into Aboriginal notions of alcohol dependence
That research funding bodies consider commissioning or otherwise sponsoring research investigating Aboriginal conceptualisation of the nature and causes of alcohol dependence and misuse and the prevention, intervention and treatment approaches which stem from these.
Further research could support better service delivery and inform culturally appropriate interventions but needs to lead to the development and implementation of practical programs that have meaningful impact.
Aboriginal Justice Caucus Assessment
The intent of Recommendation 71 to support research into Aboriginal conceptualisations of alcohol dependence and integrate these views into treatment, prevention and intervention programs.
The Department of Health confirmed that they had not commissioned any comprehensive alcohol related research in relation to Victorian Aboriginal cohorts. However, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) partnered with Aboriginal communities to create the Koori Alcohol Action Plan 2010-20, which aimed to reduce alcohol related harms and included Aboriginal conceptualisations of alcohol dependence.
Given the evolving nature of substance use and its contributing factors, including social changes such as the influence of social media, there remains the need to research alcohol and other drug (AOD) use in Aboriginal communities in Victoria. The scope of the recommendation could be broadened beyond alcohol to encompass other substances and harmful dependencies, reflecting the diverse challenges faced by communities today.
The fact that there has been little research on this in Victoria makes this recommendation highly relevant. Not much research has been conducted on AOD in Victorian Aboriginal communities. Most of what we have is anecdotal evidence, like stories within Yoorrook material, but there hasn’t been thorough, recent research anywhere. (John Gorton, Chairperson, Grampians Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee)
Further research could support better service delivery and inform culturally appropriate interventions but needs to lead to the development and implementation of practical programs that have meaningful impact.
Priority for Further Work:
High
Relevance and potential impact | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low (0-2) | Moderate (3-4) | High (5-6) | |||
Extent of action taken and evidence of outcomes | High (5-6) | ||||
Moderate (3-4) | |||||
Low (0-2) | |||||
Potential Actions for Further Work
Commission culturally informed research into Aboriginal perspectives on alcohol and other drug use and dependence
Design studies and research into AOD misuse and dependence with Aboriginal community input to support development of culturally safe, evidence-based prevention, intervention, and treatment programs, as well as inform policy and funding priorities.
Background
The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) emphasised that Aboriginal peoples had different understandings and perceptions of alcohol misuse in the community and that these conceptualisations should be investigated. The Commission advocated for research bodies to examine Aboriginal views and conceptualisations of alcohol and incorporate them into prevention programs and treatment.
Actions Taken Since Last Review
Department of Health
The Department of Health has not commissioned any comprehensive alcohol related research in relation to Victorian Aboriginal cohorts.
Impact
Outputs
Prevention of Alcohol-related Harms in Victoria’s Koori Communities, research by Karen Milward published in 2009. This project aimed to support the development of a culturally appropriate research agenda to prevent problematic alcohol and other drug (AOD) use among Aboriginal people in Victoria. It involved reviewing AOD prevention research, identifying emerging trends and key issues for future work, outlining research needs and gaps, and setting short, medium, and long-term priorities for strategic investment in Aboriginal AOD prevention research.
Outcomes
Koori Alcohol Action Plan 2010-20
The Koori Alcohol Action Plan provided a whole-of-government approach to reducing alcohol-related harms in Aboriginal communities. Developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), the plan incorporated Aboriginal perspectives on the nature and role of alcohol in communities, recognising its complex and multifaceted impacts.