Aboriginal Substance Abuse

The new 2006 Canada Census figures report a total of 1,172,790 Aboriginal people (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) in Canada, up from 976,305 Aboriginal people reported in 2001.

Of the three Aboriginal groups, the fastest gain in population between 1996 and 2006 occurred among those who identified themselves as Métis. Their numbers almost doubled (+91%) to an estimated 389,785.

Our numbers are increasing and still there is currently very little clear information describing substance use problems among Canadian Aboriginal peoples. Statistics on violent death (including suicide, homicide, poisoning/overdose, accidents and drowning) provide some indication, and as a population, Aboriginal peoples have rates of violent death much greater than the Canadian population as a whole. Aboriginal adolescent suicide rates are much higher than the national adolescent rate. It appears that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are more prevalent among Aboriginal people. Use of solvents for intoxication among children in some Aboriginal communities is a serious concern. In some remote Indigenous communities, gasoline sniffing, primarily by young people, is said to have contributed to a systematic breakdown of community and family relationships. Among Aboriginal people in Canada's territories, indications are that while a smaller percentage identify themselves as drinkers than their non-Aboriginal counterparts, those that do drink are more likely to drink heavily. There are indications that tobacco abuse and injecting drug use are also particular concerns among Aboriginal populations, with, for example, one in five Indigenous street youth in seven major Canadian cities reporting they had injected drugs.

Issues of poverty, low education, unstable family structure, unemployment, physical abuse, poor social support networks and involvement with the law are precipitated or aggravated by discrimination, the effects of residential schools, and barriers to health care such as language and the lack of culturally sensitive services. While these issues present a considerable challenge for which substance use is identified as a coping mechanism, many Aboriginal communities have succeeded in preventing or reducing substance use problems among their people. These communities are successfully applying community-wide, culturally-based solutions to problems that are largely socially determined.

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples had identified the dimensions of community health that need to be addressed for the improved health and well-being of Aboriginal peoples:

• Poverty and social assistance,
• Shelter, water and sanitation facilities, both at the individual and community levels,
• Environmental conditions, including pollution and regeneration of land and habitat.

Did You Know?

Studies have examined the correlation between substance abuse and suicide. Statistics show that 60 percent of all Aboriginals who attempt to and succeed in committing suicide are acutely intoxicated at the time, compared to 24 percent of all non-Aboriginal cases.

Overcrowded housing, poverty, poor health, chronic unemployment and substandard living conditions can exacerbate tensions within families and perpetuate violence. Similarly, poverty and isolation make it difficult for victims to leave abusive situations.

Many Aboriginal communities have returned to traditional approaches, pipe ceremonies, sweat lodges and talking/healing circles for healing and recovery from abuse.

Substance abuse is often encountered in aboriginal communities which can contribute to accidental poisoning from overdose. Historically, the Aboriginal population has had a poorer health status than the non-Aboriginal population. First Nations and Inuit people were up to about 6.5 times more likely than the total Canadian population to die of injuries and poisonings. The mortality rate attributed to injuries and poisonings was higher in men in both populations.

Motorized vehicle accidents account for approximately 40% of unintentional injuries among Aboriginal people. Aboriginal people are about four times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident than non-Aboriginal people. This includes accidents involving ATVs, motor-cycles, and skidoos. Alcohol plays a major role in motor vehicle accidents. The National Survey on Drinking and Driving reported that in fatal crashes involving young Aboriginal males, more than 80% of the drivers had been drinking.

For assistance or more information on alcohol or substance abuse you can contact any one of your local MNO Health Branch Offices or the MNO Ottawa Office at 1-800-263-4889 and ask for Health Services.