Page 60 - JCBP-3-1

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Addressing Indigenous youth suicides in Victoria

risk of committing suicide because of discrimination, The need to address the issues of substance abuse among
rejection, and harassment: For instance, youth identifying Aboriginal youth is significantly unmet and requires
as LGBTQIA+. In addition, individuals in remote immediate attention to prevent further damage.
20
communities are at greater risk of death by suicide because Aboriginal youth reported less sociocultural control
of limited support systems and restricted access to mental and exposure to modern adversities after colonization.
health resources. 6,15 Per the data obtained from the Australian Institute of
The risk of suicide is further escalated by the negative Health and Welfare, alcohol abuse has doubled in the last
mental health effects of substance use and impulsive decade in Aboriginal youth compared to non-Aboriginal
behaviors associated with it. Substance abuse is also populations. However, a steep decline in alcohol
intricately linked with domestic violence, unstable family consumption has been observed in the community since
dynamics, and myriad physical health issues. In addition, 2022. The 2018 – 2019 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait
6,15
the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple lockdowns imposed Islander Health Survey compiled data on illicit substance
in Victoria impacted the mental health of the Aboriginal use among First Nations people aged 15 years and above.
population. The findings revealed that 25.2% of this population had
used illicit substances in the past 12 months, and males
Moreover, transgenerational trauma causes epigenetic reported significantly higher usage (36.7%) than females
16
changes and results in neurodevelopmental deficits. (21.1%). Age was also found to influence substance use,
Family violence and systematic discrimination also often with younger people (15 – 29 years) reporting higher rates
retrigger trauma. Transgenerational trauma must be (32.9%) than individuals aged 45 years and above (21.2%).
6,15
addressed to prevent suicides, especially in communities Marijuana, hashish, and cannabis resin were the most
affected by systemic oppression and historical trauma. commonly used substances, and 24% of the respondents
The impact of trauma that remains unresolved across (31.4% of the males and 17.7% of the females) had used
generations can manifest in community violence, substance these items. Other substances such as heroin, cocaine, non-
misuse, and suicidal behaviors. Effective strategies focus on medical analgesics, sedatives, amphetamines, and ecstasy
establishing trauma-informed services that respect cultural were reported in lower proportions, and the use of each
practices, build community resilience, and support cross- category ranged between 3.3% and 5.9% of respondents.
18
generational healing. The existing research emphasizes Many remote communities are concerned about substance
community-driven programs such as culturally embedded abuse among their youth and are worried about the
counseling and education, which help individuals connect ineffectiveness of prevention strategies. 20
with their identity and heritage, buffer against the adverse
effects of trauma, and promote psychological well-being. Psychological distress and low self-esteem increase the
17
Out-of-home care is 10 times higher among Aboriginal risks of substance abuse. Conversely, higher self-esteem,
children, and child protection notification rates are 7 times resilience, confidence, and a sense of ownership reduce
21
higher than the frequencies for non-Aboriginal children. In the consumption of substance abuse in a population.
addition, a sizable proportion of the Aboriginal population Chances of substance abuse are also diminished when
lives in poverty with limited satisfaction of basic needs. It is health is prioritized, literacy is emphasized, and youngsters
known that poverty, inadequate access to health care, lack engage in sports. Low educational attainment, school
of trust, and overcrowded living conditions impact the dropout, and unemployment increase the risk of cannabis
21
mental health status of First Australians and increase their and other drug abuse among First Australians. Moreover,
suicide risks. 15 young people who have been incarcerated are at higher risk
of abusing cannabis, tobacco, and methamphetamine.
21
Specific cultural, historical, and political considerations According to Snijder, younger people aged between 15 and
contribute to the excessive prevalence of mental health 24 years are more prone to substance abuse and drinking
problems in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and and driving offenses. Males are more likely than females to
mandate a rethinking of traditional models and assumptions. abuse alcohol, smoke tobacco, and commit driving offenses.
In 2018 – 2019, 31% of Aboriginal Australians and 23% of Peer pressure, social isolation, broken families, domestic
Torres Strait Islanders aged 18 years and above reported violence, and partners with substance abuse issues increase
experiencing severe or very severe emotional distress. 18 the chances of substance abuse and relapse. Indigenous
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4. Substance abuse and suicides by populations in urban areas encompass high-risk factors
Indigenous youth for alcohol abuse and illicit drug use, whereas Indigenous
people living in rural areas display higher likelihoods of
Substance abuse among Indigenous youth is regarded as tobacco use and drinking offenses. Cannabis, crystal
22
a triggering factor for suicide and self-harm attempts. methamphetamine, and tobacco are increasingly available
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Volume 3 Issue 1 (2025) 54 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.4217