First Nations People Face Drug Abuse Problems

The First Nations, Inuit, and Aboriginal People’s comprise of a large portion of Canada’s population.  They are made up of a rich and unique cultural history; however, their culture has been plagued with alcohol and drug abuse for a very long time.  In the 1970’s the Federal Government developed a pilot program called the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP).

It is a Health Canada program, but today is mainly controlled by the First Nations.  The program was specifically designed to help First Nations, Inuit, and Aboriginal communities set up different programs within their communities to help handle the alcohol and drug abuse problems.   During the year 1982, the program was made permanent, because of the very visible problems facing the First Nations people.

Today the NNADAP is made up of over 550 different prevention programs.  It uses different prevention activities such as:  awareness campaigns, meetings, lectures, school programs, and cultural and spiritual events.  They also provide intervention activities, which deal with the early stages of a drug addiction, and help prevent it from taking hold.  This is done through existing drug abuse programs, recreational and social activities, and cultural programs for youth.  The NNADAP also provides aftercare activities such as:  counselling, sharing circles, support groups, and treatment and detox referrals, combined with social services and medical referrals.

One Response to “First Nations People Face Drug Abuse Problems”

1. E Moskal says:

   September 28, 2009 at 4:10 am

   Is it true that first nation people have a gene or something that makes them intolerant to alcohol?