Health Impacts

Alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use contribute significantly to the burden of disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [44828]. They are among the top five risk factors contributing directly to chronic disease and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Drug use associated with unsafe injection practices can lead to the transmission of blood-borne viruses, such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV [36092], while methamphetamine use is a risk factor for the transmission of STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy is a significant risk to the health of the baby and can cause neurodevelopmental disorders such as Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) which may result in a range of learning and developmental difficulties for the individual as well as physical health effects [47948].

Smoking in pregnancy is also an important preventable risk factor for complications during pregnancy [43321]. Supporting women to stop smoking during pregnancy will reduce complications during pregnancy and improve health outcomes for babies.

The wide-ranging effects of alcohol and drug use on physical and mental health requires holistic responses that encompass culturally safe approaches to treatment and support as well as effective public health measures.