A Northern Territory doctor says rasta and rap music play a role in
substance abuse in Aboriginal communities.

The comments follow revelations one community of 650 people suffered about
30 suicide attempts - linked to marijuana - within a month last year.

That follows two suicides in Nhulunbuy and five on the Tiwi Islands in
five weeks.

Dr Rob Parker, the acting director of psychiatry with Top End Mental
Health, says although data shows marijuana use leads to depression, there
are other factors at play - including music.

"I think there's particular symbolism in respect to black empowerment,
black culture in the United States and in the West Indies in respect of
Rastafarian music and rap music, which has a strong association between
substance abuse and music and black empowerment issues," he said.