Onset and trajectory of alcohol and other drug use among Aboriginal men entering a prison treatment program: A qualitative study

Introduction Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are vastly over‐represented in Australian prisons. Many people in prison attribute in some way their offences to alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) use. This paper aims to understand AOD use before first and between terms in prison, among a group of Aboriginal men enrolled in a prison‐based AOD treatment program. It examines opportunities for prevention or treatment that might interrupt the cycle of alcohol consumption, offending and imprisonment. Methods A thematic analysis of in‐depth interviews with 14 Aboriginal men in an urban prison. Results Participants had low levels of formal education, none having completed high school and had spent limited or no time in the workforce. All 14 spoke of being negatively affected by AOD use within their families. First alcohol and cannabis use were around age 12–14 years, first amphetamines and/or heroin use was around age 15. As adults, they had unstable accommodation and when released from prison returned to the same situation they had been in previously. Most believed they would not have offended and subsequently imprisoned if they did not have a substance use disorder. Discussion and Conclusion Without further support post‐prison, the men in this study are likely to return to the same situation and continue their AOD use. Further efforts are needed to support families with substance use disorders and to give young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people better education and training opportunities.