This section provides recent reference details and - where available - links and abstracts for general publications relating to alcohol use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. References include journal articles, reports, theses, and other literature. To access our complete database please use our bibliography.
This guide is a resource and orientation tool for new workers to the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector. It has a number of sections including:
There are also research tips on how to find further information and some short articles from professionals working in the field. A constantly updated electronic version of the guide is available from the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) website.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This guide outlines various approaches to engaging with young people experiencing problematic substance use. It draws upon the knowledge of practitioners in the field and outlines a range of service models. Content includes:
Culturally specific interventions such as the Mt Theo project and an adaptation of the 'stages of change model' for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are described.
The guide was developed by Dovetail in partnership with the School of Public Health and Social Work at the Queensland University of Technology.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This chapter is from the Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work and provides information for alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers on special situations, settings and groups, including:
Abstract adapted from the University of Sydney
This chapter is from the Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work and provides information for alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers on alcohol, including:
Abstract adapted from the University of Sydney
This is the fourth report under the auspice of the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council to measure progress against the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health performance framework (HPF). The framework has become one of the key means of monitoring progress in Closing the gap between Indigenous and other Australians. It was reviewed and revised in 2011 and now includes 68 key measures (previously 71 measures) under the following tiers:
The aim of the report is to promote accountability, inform policy and research, and generate informed debate. The report includes an overview of current national policies and strategies, and data analysis for each of the three tiers.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This chapter is from the Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work and provides information for alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers about the role of AOD workers and general AOD information, including:
Abstract adapted from the University of Sydney
This book chapter provides information on reducing the harms from substance misuse for people who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in the alcohol and other drug field. Of specific focus in this chapter is: sexually transmissible infections in the substance use setting; harms from injecting drug use and safer injecting; needle and syringe programs; hepatitis C and B; and HIV/AIDS. This chapter is part of a book titled Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work, which provides everyday practical information for working in the field of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This chapter is from the Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work and provides information for alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers on polydrug use, including:
Abstract adapted from the University of Sydney
This chapter is from the Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work and provides information for alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers on community-wide approaches to substance misuse, including:
Abstract adapted from the University of Sydney
This book chapter provides information for alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers on mental health and substance use. The contents of the chapter includes:
This chapter is from the Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work.
Abstract adapted from the University of Sydney
This chapter is from the Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work and provides information for alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers on legal issues associated with substance use, including:
Abstract adapted from the University of Sydney
This handbook provides everyday practical information for working in the field of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. It is based on the clinical and cultural experiences of the authors who have worked in a range of settings from large urban environments through to small remote communities.
Contained in the handbook is information on AOD work, including:
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This is the first of two annual reports that examine the objectives, strategies and funding arrangements of agreements that form the basis of the partnership between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory (NT) governments aimed at closing the gap in living conditions and social outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians.
The geographies assessed in the report include; Territory growth towns, Community living areas, town camps, homelands, communities and outstations.
The report focuses on four major themes arising from the approach taken by governments in relation to Aboriginal people since the NT emergency response (NTER) commenced in 2007 and reflected in the Stronger futures arrangements proposed for the next ten years. These are:
Abstract adapted from Office of the Northern Territory Coordinator-General for Remote Services report
This report draws on the Report on government services 2012 to present data specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. It reports on the delivery of mainstream services to Indigenous people including services for:
Performance reporting focuses on the degree to which objective for a service is met. The report details the objective (outcomes) for each services stated and the performance indicators measuring the achievement of each objective.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This manual is a guide to culturally appropriate practice for Aboriginal workers in Victoria who work with people with mental health and drug and alcohol issues (dual diagnosis). The information in the manual comes from skilled and experienced local Aboriginal workers who share how they have helped their clients heal from dual diagnosis.
It contains information about:
This manual is one of three key resources produced as part of Our healing ways project. It was developed by the Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative (VDDI) Education and Training Unit and funded by the Mental Health, Drugs and Regions Division of the Department of Health Victoria.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This report explains a model for providing culturally appropriate supervision to the Aboriginal alcohol and other drug (AOD), and social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) workforce. The model is based on the needs of these workers who often face difficult situations in the community, such as working with their own family and friends.
The report includes information on:
This report is one of three key resources produced as part of Our healing ways project. It was developed by the Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative (VDDI) Education and Training Unit and funded by the Mental Health, Drugs and Regions Division of the Department of Health Victoria.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This is the third report developed under the auspice of the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council to measure progress against the National strategic framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health as well as the more recent measures introduced under Closing the gap national partnerships.
The performance framework reports on the three tiers of health:
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey was conducted between late-April and early-September 2010. This was the 10th survey in a series which began in 1985, and was the fifth to be managed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). More than 26,000 people aged 12 years or older participated in the survey, in which they were asked about their knowledge of and attitudes towards drugs, their drug consumption histories, and related behaviours. Most of the analysis presented is of people aged 14 years or older, so that results can be compared with previous reports.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare abstract
This national statistical publication reports on the health and wellbeing of young Australians aged 12-24 years of age. This reporting is vital for the development of evidence-based youth policies. Part VII provides an overview of the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and looks at key issues including:
The report also highlights areas where work is still needed.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This series of 10 reports provides information on the prevalence of alcohol consumption, alcohol-related hospitalisations and alcohol-related deaths in the metropolitan, rural and remote areas of Western Australia. The reports were collated by the Western Australian Drug and Alcohol Office with the assistance of the Department of Health and include:
Abstract adapted from Western Australian Drug and Alcohol Office
This toolkit was produced by the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies. The purpose of the toolkit is to provide guidance for other Western Australian alcohol and other drug (AOD) services planning to undertake capacity building initiatives. The toolkit was developed in accordance with knowledge gained throughout the national Improved services initiative (ISI) project. This project aimed to build the capacity of non-government AOD organisations to effectively identify and treat comorbid substance use and mental illness.
Abstract adapted from Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies
This user's guide provides updated information on the 2002 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS). Updates include information on: family and culture; health; risk factors; education; work; income; and housing.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The information included in this report is taken from a variety of sources. This report highlights that Aboriginal and Torres Strait people make up 2.5% of the Australian population and is young compared to the rest of the population. The key findings include:
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Maggie Brady, a social anthropologist from the Australian National University, has written a series of short books called First taste, which explore the social history of alcohol use in Australia. The series of six booklets investigates the factors that have been a foundation for Indigenous drinking habits. The booklets provide a complete analysis of the history relating to the introduction of alcohol to Indigenous Australians. The topics covered by the booklets include:
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This report provides a summary of the progress being made in 'closing the gap' and improving the quality of life for Indigenous Queenslanders living in discrete communities. It outlines the key outcomes of the Queensland policy reform with the distinction between what has been already implemented and what is yet to be implemented. It includes an overview of the key indicators of community wellbeing, building on the previous report (January-March 2008) and including two indicators relating to child safety. An individual outcome report for all participating communities across Queensland for four key indicators is also provided. This report precedes the next Closing the gap, Indigenous annual report due in November 2008.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This report provides a summary of the progress being made to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Queenslanders living in discrete Aboriginal and mainland Torres Strait Islander communities, from January to March 2008. The communities are the 17 communities that signed the Partnership Agreement in July 2007.
The four key health and wellbeing indicators for which data are provided in this report include: violence against people; hospital admissions due to assault; court appearances for breaches of alcohol restrictions; and school attendance.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The Australian alcohol and other drugs charter sets out the guiding principles, expectations and goals with regard to drugs. The charter outlines rights and responsibilities with regard to drug use and the development and implementation of policies and programs, at all community levels and for different settings and sectors. these include people in general, children and young persons, parents and caregivers, drug users, health care and welfare providers, law enforcement and corrections personnel, education personnel, government and community organisations, policy makers and program providers, and alcohol and tobacco producers, retailers and servers.
Australian National Council on Drugs abstract
This publication gives the background to, and information on, a study carried out on the Indigenous risk impact screen (IRIS). The IRIS is used to screen for the presence of alcohol and other drugs and any mental health risk in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There is a set way of carrying out the assessment and this helps health professionals to identify and address any health risks in a timely and culturally sensitive way. The study, which included a survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, aimed to validate the instrument (provide evidence that shows that a tool is sound for assessing a specific issue).
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract