ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the context of Indigenous Australians’ poor general health, and particular factors influencing their alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) and mental health (MH) problems. It presents information about Indigenous peoples’ holistic view of health and culturally respectful care. Many Indigenous people who seek healthcare also want access to their traditional ceremonies and bona fide traditional healers. Mental health is perceived as healthy spirit, and is central to Indigenous well-being. Understanding the importance of the connection for an Indigenous person experiencing ATOD and/or M H problems helps the healthcare professional to build rapport and trust. Indigenous people are the poorest and sickest people in prosperous Australia. Life expectancy of non-Indigenous people is 17 years greater than that of Indigenous Australians. The physical and mental ill health and ATOD problems of Indigenous people are directly linked to dispossession, racism and ongoing grief, poverty and cultural losses according to de Crespigny.
