Alcohol use in Australia: Countering harm with healing

Lorelle Holland, Natasha Reid, Nicole Hewlett, Maree Toombs, Tylissa Elisara, Amy Thomson, Tracy Humphrey, Andrew Smirnov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
54 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Harmful use of alcohol consumption in Australia is a serious socio-political and public health issue that is exacerbated by exploitative marketing campaigns by the alcohol industry. In Indigenous populations harmful alcohol use is directly related to the legacy of colonisation that has led to complex social issues and adverse intergenerational trauma. To effectively address alcohol-related harm in Australia, it is necessary to critically apply the ‘Three Pillars of Harm Minimisation’, which are demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction. This can be facilitated through approaches such as the ‘Interplay Wellbeing Framework’, which situates concepts of wellbeing and risky alcohol use within the context of systemic inequities across all social determinants of health. Culturally responsive approaches embody a holistic view of community, mutually respectful collaboration, culture, healing, and self-determined change. This is underpinned by Indigenous leadership that promotes existing resistance, resilience, interpersonal relationships, and strengths that instil healing to counter the harms associated with alcohol use.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100774
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific
Volume37
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The University of Queensland, The University of South Australia and The University of Sydney acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Author(s)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Alcohol use in Australia: Countering harm with healing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this