Dealing with substance use in Nunavik: an amalgamation of traditions and modern practices
Social-health management of psychoactive substance (PAS) users has continued to evolve along with the beliefs and discoveries regarding this new field of intervention. Thanks to our recent survey on PAS use among young Inuit, as well as a qualitative study on the Nunavimmiut’s point of view regarding PAS use in Nunavik, we can examine the situation in terms of practices designed to help people face their PAS use problem. What of the abstinence model and harm reduction strategies in the Inuit context? What do the youths, parents, leaders and elders think of the current state of addiction services in Northern Quebec? Which problem-solving strategies do the Inuit favour? We will analyze the statements collected from 109 Nunavimmiut regarding services, to help us explore the notion that strategies for providing care in the North should take into account not only cultural aspects, but also best practices. The content analysis will also enable us to describe respondents’ realities as well as their views on the present state of social‐health management of PAS users in Nunavik and on what it should be.