Media release

NIDAC welcomes the ANCD research paper on Drug use in the family: impacts and implications for children

As the leading voice in Indigenous drug and alcohol policy, the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) welcomes the ANCD research paper on Drug use in the family: impacts and implications for children for creating an awareness of the complexities involved in parental substance abuse in Indigenous communities.

Associate Professor Ted Wilkes, Chair of the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee says “I have seen through family generations, a history of violence, trauma and pain amongst Indigenous people which has manifested into self abuse and the abuse of others through substance abuse, fear of removal or dispossession and mental distress, and destroy the heart and soul of our families and communities. This has a profound effect on our children and ultimately future generations to come.”

The ANCD research paper confirms that in order to address parental substance abuse in Indigenous communities it is necessary to understand the loss of traditional social structures and why conventional methods of prevention, intervention and treatment methods have failed to address Indigenous substance abuse and provide safety for children and their families.

It is important that programs and services understand and promote the Indigenous concepts of family and wellbeing as the primary objective of their service. Holistic approaches that recognize the importance of family in Indigenous culture allow for services to be more accessible for Indigenous people, particularly women with children. NIDAC agrees with the ANCD research report and recommends:

Substance misuse policies, interventions and treatment to focus on implementing and instilling Indigenous values, principles and procedures in all spheres of prevention, education and treatment of substance abuse with Indigenous people,
The need to enhance capacity and resilience for Indigenous people to address substance abuse and provide a safe and healthy environment for families and their children,
Training in cultural competence,
The provision of a range of holistic services, programs and interventions that take into account the cultural complexities and the importance of family in addressing Indigenous substance abuse,
Services to be owned, managed and controlled by the community in which they operate,
The provision of after care services and support, including the involvement of family, for Indigenous people who have undergone alcohol and drug treatment,
The right of Indigenous people to promote, develop and maintain their own institutional structures, and identity, and to support local community initiatives.

Associate Professor Ted Wilkes adds “greater investment from all levels of government is needed to support and strengthen local community initiatives and build locally skilled workforces to address substance abuse. Substance abuse is a significant problem amongst Indigenous people and it is eroding our identity, our culture and our families. The ANCD report provides a valuable insight into making that investment effective in breaking the cycle of substance abuse in family generations and providing protection for our Indigenous children and future generations. The recommendations, and in particular the philosophy behind the provision of holistic and appropriate services need to be accepted in all prevention, intervention and treatment services for Indigenous people.

For more information on the National Drug and Alcohol Committee
www.ancd.org.au/nidac

The NIDAC is the principal advisory body to Government on Indigenous drug and alcohol issues.

PO Box 1552, Canberra ACT 2601

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