Contrary to the image created by racial stereotyping, data suggests alcoholism is not more prevalent in Indigenous communities. 

Around 1 in 45 Indigenous Australians report they are dependent on alcohol, a level similar to that of general Australian populations, according to a representative survey. 

Researchers have surveyed two South Australian communities - one urban and one remote, to obtain a representative sample that allowed them to estimate the prevalence of current alcohol dependence in Indigenous Australian communities. 

They found that overall, 2.2 per cent were likely dependent on alcohol (17 out of 775) and that this rate did not vary by remoteness. 

The authors say the finding is important given the common negative stereotyping of Indigenous Australians and their use of alcohol as portrayed in Australian society and media.

The full study is accessible here.