Alcohol and other drug use before custody among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in New South Wales, Australia

Objective: Alcohol and other drug (AoD) use is a significant factor in the poor health status of people in prison. Our aim is to explore associations of alcohol consumption with tobacco and illicit drug use among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in prison to inform health services, clinical care and support. Methods: We analysed the alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use data of the 2015 Network Patient Health Survey of adults in custody in New South Wales (n=1,132). A comparative analysis of Aboriginal to non-Aboriginal participants including bi-variant and multivariant analysis was undertaken. Results: Significantly more Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal participants reported alcohol consumption before prison that was consistent with possible dependence. More Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal participants used cannabis on a daily or almost on daily basis before prison. There was significant association between alcohol and cannabis use among Aboriginal participants. Conclusions: There are differences in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal AoD use patterns, which should be considered when providing treatment and support programs within and post-release from prison. Implications for Public Health: Specific programs are needed to assist Aboriginal people in this population who co-use alcohol and cannabis.

Automated summary

This study aims to explore the associations between alcohol consumption and tobacco and illicit drug use among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in prison. The results showed that more Aboriginal participants reported alcohol consumption before prison, indicating possible dependence. Additionally, Aboriginal participants were more likely to use cannabis on a daily or almost daily basis before prison. The study suggests that treatment and support programs should consider the differences in alcohol and drug use patterns between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals.