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AUSTRALIA: Phillips rewrites approach to Aboriginal health care

Dr. Gregory Phillips’ new book Addictions and Healing in Aboriginal Country has received acclaim for its revision of the framework on Indigenous health. The book examines addiction in Big River, a former mission reserve in northern Queensland, finding that substance addictions are results of unresolved traumatic histories. Suggestions to treat these addictions involve rather traditional healing than legislation. The book attempts to empower the indigenous community by showing that traditional healing has made positive changes, and that change is possible.