The Role of Diversity in AOD Services and Mental Health Recovery

This report analyzes the significant impact of diversity on Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services and mental health recovery in Australia. It highlights the disparities in access to healthcare and treatment faced by diverse populations, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, who experience higher rates of substance use and mental illness compared to non-Indigenous Australians. The paper emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive approaches and person-centered care to improve outcomes. It discusses the challenges related to financial resources, educational opportunities, and cultural support, which affect the ability of diverse individuals to recover from mental health issues and AOD addictions. The report concludes that addressing diversity is crucial for creating equitable and accessible AOD services and mental health support systems in Australia.

Running Head: WORKING WITH DIVERSITY
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Working with Diversity
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WORKING WITH DIVERSITY 1
In Australia, there is an impact of diversity on the AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug)
services and recovery of mental health. In today’s time, there is an increase in AOD services
that required effective treatment especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
individuals. It is essential to take care of mental health by recovering and AOD service
system which is possible by improving the life quality and person-centred approaches
(Bennett, Redfern, & Zubrzycki, 2017). Also, it is essential that respect and diversity are
valued consisting shared responsibility for action, respect of communities and families,
establishment of effective and responsive programs and services, individuals’ dignity and
rights along with allocation of equitable and accessible priorities, and resources to programs
and services. There is a development of resources for supporting non-government AOD
services while working with clients’ diversity to have accessibility to the population. This
paper will analyse how diversity plays a major role in the recovery of mental health and AOD
services in Australia.
In diversity, differences make it difficult for patients to ensure that they have access to
necessary resources and suppliers which are crucial for them helping to recover from mental
illnesses. Individuals that belong to minorities in the country are more likely to face
difficulties in accessing proper healthcare facilities which are crucial for them to remover.
Access and acceptance of treatment is required in AOD services without which it becomes
difficult for individuals to recover from their addictions (Sarkar & Punnoose, 2017). Usually
people who belong from diverse groups are less likely to have financial resources to get
proper treatment for mental illnesses or other challenges which they face due to AOD
addiction.
Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander individuals did not have financial support or
appropriate educational facilities to learn about their rights as an objective to make sure that
they remain protected from mental health problems or drug addiction. They are more likely to
face these challenges as compared to other individuals in Australia. For instance, one in more
Indigenous Australians used an illicit drug in 2016 that is 27 per cent and the number of non-
Indigenous Australians is comparatively lower as only 15.3 per cent of people use illicit drug
which is 1.8 per cent lower than Indigenous Australians (AIHW, 2020). This shows the direct
link between diversity and AOD addiction in Australia. These individuals are also more
prone to mental illnesses as compared to non-Indigenous Australians since there culture did
not support or accept individuals with these difficulties. People are often get judged for

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mental illnesses or accessing AOD services which shows the diversity as an direct impact on
an ability of a person to get mental treatment or AOD services in Australia.
Based on the above observations, it can be concluded that there is a direct link
between diversity and the abilities of an individual to recover from mental diseases and AOD
services. The number of indigenous people who face mental illnesses and drug addictions are
comparatively higher than the non-Indigenous Australians which makes difficult for them to
access proper healthcare facilities. Due to high rate of illiteracy and lack of cultural support,
individuals that belong to diverse backgrounds are likely to face challenges related to
recovery of mental health and AOD services in Australia.

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References
AIHW. (2020, January 21). Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia. Retrieved from
AIHW: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-
australia/contents/priority-populations/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people
Bennett, B., Redfern, H., & Zubrzycki, J. (2017). Cultural responsiveness in action: Co-
constructing social work curriculum resources with Aboriginal Communities. British
Journal of Social Work, 48(3), 808-825.
Sarkar, S., & Punnoose, V. (2017). Cultural diversity and mental health. Indian J Soc
Psychiatry, 33(4), 285-287.