Developing substance use support programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison

More than two-thirds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison have a form of substance use disorder.

The support programs in prison are typically developed using a western model and focus on treating symptoms. However, this approach does not take into account the effect of colonisation such as intergenerational trauma.

The aim of this Wungening Aboriginal Corporation online presentation, given by Associate Professor at the University of Sydney Michael Doyle, is to outline past research on substance use patterns and treatment approaches in Australian prisons.

It will conclude with a look at the development of an innovative culturally-based social and emotional wellbeing program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The new program is being developed in partnership with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation.