Presentation Goal
- This presentation argues that a culturally competent approach to Cannabis misuse amongst Aboriginal teens is best. Our approach is harm reduction and looks at the Medicine Wheel as a symbol for health.
- This tool may not work for everyone. We do not profess that a culturally competent tool works for every Aboriginal person, every time. Rather, our presentation will identify and explain the four quadrants of the Medicine Wheel: emotional, physical, spiritual and social wellbeing.
- Like all people, some Aboriginal teens are naturally more connected to their ancestral beliefs than others, depending on many factors.
- Our presentation will provide information regarding Cannabis misuse amongst First Nations / Aboriginal Canadians, examine the Medicine Wheel as a tool for understanding health and wellbeing, and offer resources and ideas regarding harm-reduction care.
Why Care?
- Canadian youth are our future. It is our responsibility to help teens make the best decision for their health, wellbeing and future generations.
- There exists a high degree of co-morbidity (co-occurrence in the same individual) of mental illness and addiction. This high degree of co-morbidity suggests that substance dependence and certain mental illnesses are linked through shared neurological or behavioural abnormalities (Aboriginal Health News, 2011).
- Cannabis misuse produces short and long-term effects on brain function. Due to changes in the maturing brain and in behaviour during adolescence, this period of development warrants special attention in relation to drug use and abuse (Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse, 2007).
- Knowledge of the effects of drugs of abuse on the brain helps us to better understand the social, societal and psychological features of drug abuse and addiction.
- Marijuana (including cannabis, hashish and hash oil) is one of the most commonly used illegal drugs in the country (CPHA, 2012). It has been the subject of much controversy for decades regarding its place in Canadian society and as CPHA states it has " some deeply held and opposing values that can sometimes overshadow clear thinking and balanced information" (2012, para 1).
- Today's younger population are of the top consumers of this product and it is arguably most readily used by the Aboriginal population in Canada (Kelly, 2007). Understanding that this drug is used not only recreationally but excessively by this demographic makes it essential that nursing staff have current knowledge of its uses, risks, side effects and relevant interventions. This website will prove to be a useful tool for education and interventions related to marijuana use and misuse with Aboriginal youth.
Photo Credit: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/2007-es-05/mgs/2007-es-05-02-bil.jpg
References
Aboriginal Health News (2011). Drug abuse major concern among First Nations and Inuit. Retrieved from http://www.naho.ca/blog/2011/06/27/drug-abuse-major-concern-among-first-nations-and-inuit/.
Adlaf, E.M., Begin, P., & Sawka, E. (Eds.). (2005). Canadian Addiction Survey (CAS): A national survey of Canadians’ use of alcohol and other drugs: Prevalence of use and related harms: Detailed report. Ottawa: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse (2007). Substance abuse in Canada: Youth in focus. Retrieved from www.ccsa.ca/2007%20CCSA%20Documents/ccsa-011521-2007-e.pdf.
Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA). (2012). Marijuana, is it safe? - part 1. Retrieved from
http://www.cpha.ca/en/portals/substance/article03.aspx.
Kelly, M. (2007). Prevention of the harmful effects of substance use among Aboriginal peoples: An initial review of the research literature. Retrieved from http://www.carbc.ca/Portals/0/propertyagent/558/files/16/abohealthrpt.pdf.
Aboriginal Health News (2011). Drug abuse major concern among First Nations and Inuit. Retrieved from http://www.naho.ca/blog/2011/06/27/drug-abuse-major-concern-among-first-nations-and-inuit/.
Adlaf, E.M., Begin, P., & Sawka, E. (Eds.). (2005). Canadian Addiction Survey (CAS): A national survey of Canadians’ use of alcohol and other drugs: Prevalence of use and related harms: Detailed report. Ottawa: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse (2007). Substance abuse in Canada: Youth in focus. Retrieved from www.ccsa.ca/2007%20CCSA%20Documents/ccsa-011521-2007-e.pdf.
Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA). (2012). Marijuana, is it safe? - part 1. Retrieved from
http://www.cpha.ca/en/portals/substance/article03.aspx.
Kelly, M. (2007). Prevention of the harmful effects of substance use among Aboriginal peoples: An initial review of the research literature. Retrieved from http://www.carbc.ca/Portals/0/propertyagent/558/files/16/abohealthrpt.pdf.