Substance Use and Related Harms among Aboriginal People in Canada: A Comprehensive Review

Background. There is evidence of increasing trends in substance use and related harms among Aboriginal populations in Canada. This paper provides a review of data on alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use and related harms. Methods. A comprehensive review of public data, journal publications, and grey literature published between 2000 and 2014 were reviewed if data included: people who self-identify as Aboriginal and who live in Canada; drug use; and morbidity and mortality related to drug use. Data were structured by major substance categories and compared with non-Aboriginal sample data where possible. Results. Over 100 documents were reviewed and revealed a disproportionate burden of substance use and harms, particularly among Aboriginal youth. Significant gaps in data exist, specifically, for urban populations. Conclusion. This review reinforces concerns of many Aboriginal communities and organizations in Canada as well as highlights where prevention, programming, and policy efforts might be most effective.