Substance Use and Related Harms among Aboriginal People in Canada: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: There is evidence of increasing trends in substance use and related harms among Aboriginal populations in Canada. This paper provides a review of data on alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use and related harms.

Methods: A comprehensive review of public data, journal publications, and grey literature published between 2000 and 2014 were reviewed if data included: people who self-identify as Aboriginal and who live in Canada; drug use; and morbidity and mortality related to drug use. Data were structured by major substance categories and compared with non-Aboriginal sample data where possible.

Results: Over 100 documents were reviewed and revealed a disproportionate burden of substance use and harms, particularly among Aboriginal youth. Significant gaps in data exist, specifically, for urban populations.

Conclusion: This review reinforces concerns of many Aboriginal communities and organizations in Canada as well as highlights where prevention, programming, and policy efforts might be most effective.