Alcohol and other drug use before custody among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in New South Wales, Australia

Aust N Z J Public Health. 2023 May 10;47(3):100052. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100052. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol and other drug (AoD) use is a significant factor in the poor health status of people in prison. Our aim is to explore associations of alcohol consumption with tobacco and illicit drug use among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in prison to inform health services, clinical care and support.

METHODS: We analysed the alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use data of the 2015 Network Patient Health Survey of adults in custody in New South Wales (n=1,132). A comparative analysis of Aboriginal to non-Aboriginal participants including bi-variant and multivariant analysis was undertaken.

RESULTS: Significantly more Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal participants reported alcohol consumption before prison that was consistent with possible dependence. More Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal participants used cannabis on a daily or almost on daily basis before prison. There was significant association between alcohol and cannabis use among Aboriginal participants.

CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal AoD use patterns, which should be considered when providing treatment and support programs within and post-release from prison.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Specific programs are needed to assist Aboriginal people in this population who co-use alcohol and cannabis.

PMID:37172447 | DOI:10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100052