NCJ Number
190960
Journal
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 7-25
Date Published
2002
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This Canadian study examined substance abuse as well as physical and mental health among an urban Aboriginal population in the greater Montreal area.
Abstract
Data were collected through structured interviews with urban Aboriginal people (n=202), using the Addiction Severity Index in both English and French versions. Results indicated that the majority of the sample were single, unemployed, and had lived in the urban area for a long time. Approximately two-thirds of the sample were current alcohol drinkers and cigarette smokers, and one-third of the sample reported having a current drug or alcohol problem. Results also showed that individuals who abused substances were more likely to live with someone who had a drug or alcohol problem. Substance abusers also had a greater history of legal problems, with more convictions, time spent in jail, and a greater likelihood of being on probation or parole. A large portion of the sample reported having significant medical problems that required treatment, and substance abusers were less likely to have the identification needed to access medical services. Further, findings indicated high levels of psychological distress in the general sample (depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide). These phenomena were augmented by substance abuse problems. In particular, substance abusers had a history of more suicide attempts and were more likely to have been the victims of abuse. 7 tables and 29 references