Abstracts of theses and treatises
Douglas M (1993) An alcohol treatment program for an Aboriginal community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Unpublished Master of Public Health thesis, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales.
Halls Creek is a town in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia, with a population of 3,070 persons, of whom nearly 2,000 are Aboriginal. Fifty two percent of the adult Aboriginal population drink alcohol, most of whom drink at levels which is harmful to their health. The consequences of this 'problem drinking' has resulted in high mortality, increased morbidity, serious deterioration in social well-being, cultural degradation and a high incidence of crime and family dysfunction. There is a high awareness of the problem in the community and a willingness to address the issue.
In order to build upon the community action that has begun, the development of a program to assist problem drinkers is proposed. This has been developed through review of programs both nationally and internationally and discussion with drinkers and ex-drinkers in the community. Further, the health and welfare workers, who deal with the consequences of problem drinking daily were surveyed.
This research concludes that the treatment needs for Aboriginal problem drinkers are different to those of Non-Aborigines. While it is acknowledged that the most important and cost-effective programs are those of prevention, the large number of problem drinkers which currently exist compels the need for a treatment program. A variety of treatment options ought to be available and drinkers should be matched according to his/her need. Underpinning the success of the proposed programs is the need to address the drinker's social circumstances. A strategy to address the problem is proposed. This strategy includes: (1) The development of Family Health Workers to work with individuals and families affected by alcohol; (2) A program of minimal intervention; (3) Identification of problem drinkers and high-risk candidates; (4) Intervention strategies for problem drinkers, which include both non-residential and residential programs, and an emphasis on supportive after-care; and (5) Broad programs of community development.
For further information on this subject look in the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet Bibliography or return to the theses page.
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