Open AccessManaging alcohol‐related problems among Indigenous Australians: what the literature tells us
Author(s) -
Gray Dennis,
Saggers Sherry,
Wilkes Edward,
Allsop Steve,
Ober Coralie
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00550.x
Subject(s) - indigenous , human factors and ergonomics , alcohol , medline , environmental health , medicine , medical emergency , poison control , geography , history , political science , biology , ecology , biochemistry , law
Objective:To contextualise and provide an overview of two review papers – prepared as part of a larger research program – dealing with different aspects of the treatment of Indigenous Australians with alcohol‐related problems.Method:The papers were reviewed thematically and compared to identify key issues raised in them.Findings:Together, the papers highlight the paucity of the evidence base for the provision of treatment for Indigenous Australians with alcohol‐related problems. Among the key issues identified are: the need to engage with clients in culturally safe ways; practitioner, organisational and client barriers to engagement; the contexts in which Indigenous drinking and treatment take place; the need to develop rigorous methods of evaluation more appropriate to Indigenous cultural and service provision settings; and the importance of effective partnerships in the provision of services.Conclusion:For those working in the field, the reviews direct attention to the need to review and interrogate our current practice. They also provide clear directions for future research.