Psychosocial stress and methamphetamine use: A mixed-methods study of intersectional stigma and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander methamphetamine use
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
International Journal of Drug Policy
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Arts and Humanities
RAS ID
62018
Funders
National Health and Medical Research Council
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : APP1100696
Grant Link
http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1100696
Abstract
Background: Regular methamphetamine use can cause a range of physical, psychological and social harms. Stigma is one factor that impacts engagement and successful completion of treatment. In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who regularly use methamphetamine experience multiple stigmas, which further compounds access to treatment and quality of life. This paper explores the cumulative and compounding effects of participating in a stigmatised activity such as illicit drug use in relation to the stigma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a population marginalised through colonisation. Methods: Ten sites nationally participated in a cross-sectional survey measuring a range of factors including psychosocial stress in methamphetamine users. The survey sample size was 734, with 59% identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (n = 433). In addition, a total of 147 mainly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who use methamphetamine, community and family members, and service providers took part in a total of 19 focus groups and 7 interviews. Results: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants experienced multiple psychosocial stressors at significantly higher rates than non-Indigenous participants. These stressors include diminished access to health care (33%), experiences of racism (34%), grief and sorrow (39%), worry for family (46%), and child welfare experiences (46%). The qualitative findings highlight the cumulative impact of historical, political and social stressors on an already stigmatised population. Conclusions: The findings of this unique analysis demonstrate the disruptive impact of methamphetamine use on the lives of those who use methamphetamines and their family members. They also illustrate challenges, such as stigma, that may confront those seeking assistance for drug-related issues. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community involvement is necessary to provide support and education for the individual, the family, and the community as a whole. Stigma reduction is therefore a worthy target for intervention. © 2023
DOI
10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104189
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Sivak, L., Reilly, R., Lockton, J., Treloar, C., Roe, Y., McKetin, R., . . . Ward, J. (2023). Psychosocial stress and methamphetamine use: A mixed-methods study of intersectional stigma and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander methamphetamine use. International Journal of Drug Policy, 121, article 104189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104189