In an attempt to go beyond current explanations of Aboriginal drug abuse, which stereotype these people as 'victims', Brady focuses on understanding the users' subjective decisions to engage in this behaviour. She provides an overview of the use of drugs among Aboriginal people and surveys the extant international literature. She also gives detailed descriptions of the interaction between the setting and the users, examines the substance itself, and canvasses a range of possible intervention programs.

This informed ethnographic account is the first major published study of contemporary drug use by Aborigines. The work is drawn from baseline community research, including statistical data and case studies material. It will be of interest in the medical, drug abuse and Aboriginal studies fields.