Preventing alcohol related harm in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Preventing alcohol related harm in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Australian Journal for General Practitioners
- Author(s): Boffa, J., Tilton, E., Ah Chee, D.
- Published: 2018
- Publisher: The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
- Volume: 47
Abstract: Background Alcohol-related harm is a significant health and social issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Primary healthcare can play a part in preventing these harms. Objective The aim of this paper is to describe three domains for action in preventing alcohol-related harm in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: addressing the social and economic determinants of health; supporting population-level action on alcohol availability; and providing culturally safe treatment for individual clients. Discussion General practice has a role in treating and preventing illness both on an individual and at a population level. In preventing alcohol-related harm in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, this dual role may include screening and brief interventions; referral pathways and access to multidisciplinary care; cultural safety; support for action on alcohol availability; advocacy on the social and economic determinants of health; reorienting general practice towards population health; and support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.