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Published: 03 April 2025

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Episode description: Join host Shane Varcoe in Season 3, Episode 2 of the Unnecessary Harm Podcast as he sits down with special guest Steve Butler. Together, they explore Steve’s deeply personal story of overcoming adversity, from facing discrimination and struggles with identity to his triumphant path into community service. This powerful episode dives into themes of resilience, cultural identity, and mentorship, offering profound insights into what shapes us and how we can rise above life’s challenges.

Steve also unpacks the destabilising impact of substance use on individuals and communities, sharing his firsthand experience working with men in the Indigenous space to inspire positive change. Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that examines both personal and societal transformation. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, education, or a glimpse into the triumph of the human spirit, this episode is a must-listen. (Click Here to Watch)

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Published: 07 February 2025

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Cannabis use during pregnancy has become an alarming trend in recent years. Many women turn to it in the hope of easing stress, anxiety, or depression. But does it actually help, or does it introduce more risks than benefits? A recent study highlights the connection between cannabis use during pregnancy and mental health, raising important concerns that need attention.

Does Cannabis Use Help Mental Health During Pregnancy?

Research involving 504 pregnant individuals set out to determine whether cannabis use during pregnancy could alleviate depression and stress. Shockingly, this study found no positive impact on mental health outcomes. Despite some individuals reporting cannabis use to manage symptoms such as anxiety or depression, their mental health did not improve compared to those who abstained.

On the contrary, individuals who chose cannabis as a coping tool started their pregnancies with higher stress and depression levels. Yet, their symptoms showed no faster improvement over time. This not only highlights the ineffectiveness of cannabis in treating mental health issues but raises questions about its role in masking deeper problems rather than addressing them.

Risks to Both Mother and Baby

Perhaps the most troubling finding was the harm posed to the unborn child. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is associated with lower birth weights, a factor that can lead to long-term developmental challenges. Studies have also linked cannabis use during pregnancy to behavioural problems in children. This shows the serious risks it poses to both mum and baby.

As highlighted by SAMHSA, “Marijuana use during pregnancy can be harmful to a baby’s health and cause many serious problems, including stillbirth, preterm birth, and growth and development issues”. Avoiding cannabis during pregnancy is essential to give the baby the healthiest start in life.

Breaking the Myths Around Cannabis

The growing cultural narrative that cannabis is harmless has fuelled its increasing use during pregnancy. This shift in perception is dangerous, particularly when scientific evidence continues to emphasise the risks. Many expectant mothers are unaware of how damaging cannabis can be, both in the short term and in the long run.

The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that “marijuana use during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development, because THC can enter the fetal brain from the mother’s bloodstream. Research also suggests increased risk for premature birth and potentially stillbirth”. (FDA)

These findings underline the importance of challenging misconceptions and promoting awareness about the real dangers of cannabis use during pregnancy.

The Importance of Prevention

This study highlights the critical importance of prevention. Depression and stress are common during pregnancy, yet cannabis is not the solution. A preventative approach, focused on education and creating awareness about the dangers of substance use, is essential.

Healthcare providers and communities need to work together to offer safe, evidence-based support for mental health during pregnancy. From universal screenings for depression to promoting open conversations about stress, the emphasis must be on ensuring mothers have access to safer solutions. Prevention starts by equipping individuals with the knowledge to choose better options for themselves and their families.

The Societal Impact of Substance Use

The rising rates of cannabis use during pregnancy are a reflection of a larger societal issue—substance use normalisation. When substances like cannabis are viewed as acceptable, even during critical stages like pregnancy, it sets a dangerous precedent. This normalisation extends far beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and public health systems.

Addiction and substance dependency not only take a toll on the individual but also place a burden on healthcare resources and community support systems. By choosing prevention and promoting drug-free lifestyles, society can reduce the ripple effect of these harmful behaviours. This is not just about individual health—it’s about creating a healthier society for all.

Building Community Support for a Drug-Free Lifestyle

Combatting cannabis use during pregnancy requires a united front. Communities play a crucial role in fostering environments where drug-free lifestyles are celebrated and supported. This includes providing stronger social networks, educational resources, and programmes that uplift individuals most at risk of turning to substances.

Family and community support can make a world of difference for expectant mothers. Encouragement, understanding, and readily available resources to address mental health challenges can steer individuals away from substance use. A society that values care and prevention over quick fixes is one that thrives.

The Call for a Healthier Future

The rising use of cannabis during pregnancy needs urgent attention from everyone—individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Supporting the health of mothers and their babies should be a top priority in public health efforts. By raising awareness about the dangers of cannabis and offering safer, healthier options, we can help create stronger families and communities.

Building a healthier future starts with prevention. By saying no to substance use and making better choices, we can ensure brighter, healthier lives for mothers, their children, and future generations. (Source: JAMA Network)

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Published: 06 February 2025

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The prevalence of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represents one of Australia’s most pressing public health challenges. In 2022, suicide accounted for 4.6% of all deaths among First Nations people, with rates approximately two and a half times higher than non-Indigenous Australians. This disparity reflects complex historical, social, and health factors, with alcohol and other drug (AOD) use playing a significant role in perpetuating and exacerbating these outcomes.

Current Statistical Overview: Recent data from 2022 reveals concerning patterns in suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples:

• Males account for 75.5% of all Aboriginal suicide deaths
• The male suicide rate is 46.3 per 100,000 population
• Female suicide rate stands at 14.0 per 100,000 population
• Aboriginal males experience suicide rates 2.6 times higher than non-Indigenous males
• Aboriginal females experience rates 2.5 times higher than non-Indigenous females

These statistics reflect a crisis that disproportionately affects younger populations. Between 2018-2022, almost a quarter (22.0%) of all deaths among those aged 0-24 years were attributed to suicide, while 19.2% of deaths in the 25-44 age group were suicide-related. This age distribution differs significantly from non-Indigenous patterns, suggesting unique risk factors and social determinants affecting Aboriginal communities.

The Complex Role of AOD Use: Research demonstrates a significant correlation between substance use and suicide risk in Aboriginal communities. A comprehensive study of Aboriginal youth entering residential treatment programs revealed:

• 20.2% had attempted suicide in the three months prior to admission
• 30% reported engaging in self-harm
• 75% had court involvement
• 70% had experienced arrests
• 41% faced housing instability

These statistics illuminate the intricate relationship between substance use and broader social challenges. Substance use often serves as both a catalyst for and response to psychological distress, creating a complex cycle of disadvantage and risk.

The relationship between AOD use and suicide risk is particularly pronounced in certain geographical areas. Western Australia, for instance, reports the highest age-standardised rate of suicide among Aboriginal people at 38.1 per 100,000 population, with rates even higher in specific regions. This geographic variation suggests the influence of local factors, including access to services and community resources.

Treatment Outcomes and Challenges: Recent evaluations of residential treatment programs provide insights into potential intervention strategies. A significant study examining outcomes among Aboriginal youth who completed at least 30 days of treatment found:

• Complete cessation of suicide attempts among previously at-risk individuals
• 85% reduction in self-harm behaviours
• Significant decreases in cannabis and amphetamine use
• Substantial reduction in arrest rates
• Improved severity of dependence scores

These outcomes, while promising, must be contextualised within broader systemic challenges. The study revealed that only 36% of participants were successfully followed up post-treatment, highlighting significant challenges in maintaining engagement and measuring long-term outcomes. Additionally, while cannabis use showed some reduction, 64% of participants continued use post-treatment, suggesting the need for more targeted interventions for specific substances.

Social Determinants and Historical Context: The intersection of AOD use and suicide risk cannot be separated from broader social determinants affecting Aboriginal communities:

• Educational disparities (55.1% year 12 retention rate compared to 82.9% for non-Indigenous students)
• Employment challenges and economic marginalisation
• Intergenerational trauma from historical policies and practices
• Limited access to culturally appropriate healthcare services

These factors create a complex web of disadvantage that requires comprehensive understanding and intervention. Historical trauma, particularly related to the Stolen Generations, has been linked to higher rates of both substance use and psychological distress, creating intergenerational patterns of vulnerability.

Current Policy Responses and Implementation Frameworks: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035 establishes a comprehensive framework built on core principles that directly address the complex relationship between AOD use and suicide prevention:

Core Implementation Principles: The Strategy’s core implementation principles represent a fundamental shift in approach to Aboriginal suicide prevention, emphasising the critical importance of Aboriginal leadership and cultural frameworks in developing effective interventions.

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Governance

• Establishment of local Aboriginal governance structures for suicide prevention activities
• Creation of youth-specific leadership roles in program design and implementation
• Development of formal partnerships between ACCHOs and government agencies

This governance framework recognises that effective suicide prevention requires Aboriginal leadership at all levels. The approach builds on evidence from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP), which demonstrated that community-controlled organisations achieve superior outcomes in suicide prevention. For example, ACCHOs have shown particular success in engaging young people at risk, with their integrated service delivery models proving especially effective in addressing concurrent AOD and mental health issues.

2. Cultural Foundations

• Integration of cultural determinants of health into program design
• Recognition of relationships between self, Country, community, and spirituality
• Incorporation of traditional healing practices within mainstream medical frameworks

Cultural foundations form the bedrock of effective intervention strategies. Recent evidence demonstrates that programs incorporating traditional healing practices alongside contemporary therapeutic approaches achieve significantly better engagement rates and outcomes. This dual approach acknowledges the profound connection between cultural identity and mental health, with research showing that strong cultural connections serve as a protective factor against both AOD use and suicide risk.

3. Lived Experience Integration

• Structured involvement of those with lived experience of suicide and AOD use
• Development of Aboriginal-specific definitions of lived experience
• Recognition of different ways of understanding social and emotional wellbeing

The integration of lived experience represents a crucial evolution in program design and delivery. Aboriginal concepts of lived experience extend beyond individual trauma to encompass collective and intergenerational experiences. This broader understanding has proven essential in developing culturally appropriate interventions that address both immediate crisis needs and underlying historical trauma.

Operational Framework and Systems Integration: The operational framework establishes concrete mechanisms for translating principles into practice, with a particular focus on sustainable, long-term implementation structures.

1. Implementation Advisory Group

• Establishment of a dedicated National Implementation Advisory Group
• Development of jurisdiction-specific implementation plans
• Regular monitoring and evaluation frameworks

The Advisory Group structure creates a formal mechanism for ensuring Aboriginal leadership in program implementation. Experience from previous initiatives demonstrates that sustained engagement of Aboriginal leadership throughout the implementation process is crucial for program success. The group’s role extends beyond mere oversight to include active participation in program design and evaluation.

2. Place-Based Response Systems

• Community-specific and community-led interventions
• Integration of local cultural practices and beliefs
• Tailored responses reflecting geographic and cultural diversity

Place-based responses acknowledge the diversity of Aboriginal communities and the need for locally tailored solutions. This approach has proven particularly effective in addressing AOD-related suicide risk, as it allows for the integration of local knowledge about specific substance use patterns and cultural protective factors. Evidence from Western Australia, where suicide rates among Aboriginal people are highest, demonstrates the importance of adapting interventions to local contexts.

3. Service Delivery Integration

• Coordinated care pathways between mental health and AOD services
• Enhanced crisis response capabilities
• Development of culturally appropriate aftercare services

The integration of service delivery represents a critical advance in addressing the complex relationship between AOD use and suicide risk. Research shows that fragmented service delivery has historically been a major barrier to effective intervention. The new integrated approach ensures that individuals receiving AOD treatment can simultaneously access mental health support, with cultural safety embedded throughout the care journey.

Future Considerations: The relationship between AOD use and suicide in Aboriginal communities represents a complex public health challenge requiring nuanced understanding and comprehensive response. While current treatment approaches show promise, particularly in residential settings, sustainable progress requires addressing underlying social determinants and historical trauma.

Success will require sustained commitment to Aboriginal-led solutions, adequate resourcing, and genuine partnership between government, community organisations, and Aboriginal peoples themselves. Only through such comprehensive approach can we hope to address both the immediate crisis and its deeper structural causes.

The evidence clearly indicates that interventions must move beyond treating individual symptoms to address the broader context of Aboriginal health and wellbeing. This includes supporting cultural connection, addressing social disadvantage, and building community capacity for long-term sustainable change. (Source: WRD News)

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Published: 28 January 2025

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Alcohol is a depressant. This means that it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and body which affects the way you think, feel and behave. Alcohol is a very strong drug, and it can cause extreme harm to our health. Large quantities of alcohol are poisonous but even small amounts are very dangerous for developing brains. 

If you are planning on having a baby or during pregnancy the safest option is to drink no alcohol at all.  (No Safe Drinking for Bub - Central Australian Aboriginal Congress)