Complex interacting social, economic and historical factors influence the availability and uptake of alcohol and drugs, including among Indigenous communities.

Self-harm and suicide as well as homelessness and incarceration, can both precede and result from drug and alcohol use.

This study examines whether an ‘holistic’ residential drug and alcohol treatment program for adolescents, with over 30% of clients identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, can improve outcomes post-discharge, including reducing self-harm, suicide attempts, arrests and alcohol and drug use. The program addresses substance use, mental health, employment, accommodation, social/community and family life.

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