Dealing with Alcohol
Indigenous Usage in Australia, New Zealand and Canada

Provides a coherent explanation of alcohol misuse among indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Sherry Saggers (Author), Dennis Gray (Author)

9780521629775, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 2 November 1998

252 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.38 kg

"The authors make a strong case for greater self-determination on the part of native peoples everywhere in this refreshing, clear, concise, and well-organized book." Choice

The devastating impact of alcohol on indigenous populations is well known, but debate often overlooks the broad context of the problem and the priorities of indigenous people themselves. This book was written with the desire to improve the level of informed debate, and lead to constructive action. It aims to provide readers with a coherent explanation of alcohol misuse among indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The extensive health, economic, social and cultural consequences of misuse are described in the words of the indigenous people themselves. The book found that patterns of indigenous alcohol consumption could not be understood in isolation from the impact of European colonialism and its continuing consequences. Its authors argue that our understanding of alcohol misuse needs to be reconceptualised and structural inequalities addressed.

1. Introduction
2. What's the harm?
3. The broader context of alcohol use
4. Patterns of indigenous alcohol use
5. Explanations of indigenous alcohol use
6. The supply and promotion of alcohol to indigenous Australian communities
7. The consequences of misuse
8. What's being done?
9. Determining what works: program evaluation
10. Where to from here?

Subject Areas: Indigenous peoples [JFSL9], Drug & substance abuse: social aspects [JFFH1], Illness & addiction: social aspects [JFFH], Cultural studies [JFC]