Correlates of Illicit Drug Use Among Indigenous Peoples in Canada: A Test of Social Support Theory

Abstract

Relying on a national stratified random sample of Indigenous peoples aged 19 years old and above in Canada, this study investigates the correlates of illicit drug use among Indigenous peoples, paying special attention to the association between social support measures and illegal drug use. Results from multivariate logistical regression show that measures of social support, such as residential mobility, strength of ties within communities, and lack of timely counseling, are statistically significant correlates of illicit drug use. Those identifying as Christian are significantly less likely to use illegal drugs. This is the first nationwide analysis of the illicit drug usage of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The results are robust because we have controlled for a range of comorbidity variables as well as a series of sociodemographic variables. Policy implications from these findings are discussed.

Amxsame’ su sa ‘Nawalakw (the supernatural spirit wraps around us): impacts of Kwakwaka’wakw regalia making on identity, wellness and belonging in ‘Yalis, British Columbia

“…Specifically, "socially driven legislation and policies have been created to 'rid the Indian from the child' through the Indian Act, Residential School Act, Child Welfare, land dispossessions and so much more" (Absolon, 2016, p. 46). Moreover, historic and ongoing colonialism has created and sustained systems that restrict Indigenous health and wellness through social exclusion and disconnection from land, community and language (Cao et al, 2018; de Finney, 2014; Henry, 2002;Marshall, 2015;Palmater, 2011;Saloojee, 2005;Wotherspoon & Hansen, 2013). This exclusion has associated impacts on cultural identity and wellbeing, as colonialism and other oppressive forces have worked to subvert Indigenous Knowledge Systems, cultures and cultural practices that are inseparable from effectively and collectively strengthening First Nations Peoples' health, healing and wellness.…”

The psychosocial dimension of housing in Nunavik: does social support vary with household crowding?

“…In a similar vein, studies have shown the importance of social support as a protective factor against psychological distress and other important social and health issues in Inuit communities, such as drug use (Cao et al, 2018 ) and suicide (Kral, 2016 ). In a study conducted with Greenland Inuit (Riva et al, 2014a , 2014b ), the association between overcrowding and poor mental well-being was partly explained through reduced social support, independently of other socio-demographic and economic characteristics.…”

Correlates of stalking victimization in Canada: A model of social support and comorbidity

“…Social supports create the context in which strong social bonds can emerge because enduring relations based on mutual trust are forged through interaction and the giving of assistance ( Cullen, 1994 ). Social support theory has been tested with the dependent variables such as homicide ( Altheimer, 2008 ; Pratt and Godsey, 2003 ), corruption ( Zhang et al, 2009 ), anomie ( Cao et al, 2010 ; Zhao and Cao, 2010 ), and illegal drug use ( Cao et al, 2018 ). Yet, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been applied to the study of victimization, stalking included.…”