Damon Mcknight
Drug misuse is a significant issue in Australia, with a range of harmful substances being abused by people of all ages. The most recent data from the 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey revealed that 17.9% of Australians had used an illicit drug in the last year, with cannabis being the most prevalent, followed by cocaine, hallucinogens, and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Australians who misused drugs in the last 12 months | 18.4% in 2013-14, 16.4% in 2019, 17.9% in 2022-23, 18% in 2022-23 |
| Percentage of Australians who have misused drugs at some point in their lifetime | 38% in 2007, 43% in 2019, 47% in 2022-23 |
| Percentage of Australians who misused opioids in their lifetime | 251,000 (1.1%) in 2017, 340,000 (1.4%) in 2020 |
| Percentage of Australians who misused ecstasy in the last 12 months | 3.7% in 2007, 3.0% in 2010 |
| Percentage of Australians who misused drugs in the LGBTIQ community in the last 6 months | 44% |
| Percentage of Australian students who have ever misused drugs | 13.1% in 2023 |
| Age group with the highest percentage of people who reported misusing drugs | 18-24 years old (36.3%) |
| Gender with the highest percentage of people who reported misusing drugs | Male (20.7%) |
| Most common drugs misused in South Australia in the last 12 months | Cannabis (11.1%), cocaine (4.1%), hallucinogens (2.1%), ecstasy (1.3%) |
| Most common drugs misused in Australia in the last 12 months | Cannabis (11.5%-11.6%), cocaine (4.2%-4.5%), hallucinogens (2.4%) |
| Drug overdose deaths in Australia (year-over-year change) | 3,027 in 2015 (10% increase), 3,500+ in 2020 (20% increase) |
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What You'll Learn
Illicit drug use among young people
Young adults aged 18-25 are the age group most likely to use illicit drugs in Australia. In 2022-23, around one in three people aged 18-24 (35%) had used an illicit drug in the previous 12 months, and almost one in two (49%) had done so at some point in their lifetime. This is consistent with previous years, as this age group has had higher rates of illicit drug use than the rest of the population since 2001.
Among people aged 14 and over, the most common illicit drug used recently (in the previous 12 months) is cannabis (11.5%), followed by cocaine (4.5%) and hallucinogens (2.4%). There has been a significant increase in the use of cocaine and hallucinogens since 2019.
Young people in Australia aged 14-17 were less likely to have used an illicit drug in the previous 12 months than those aged 18-24, with 13.3% having done so. However, there was an increase in the proportion of young people aged 14-17 who had used an illicit drug in their lifetime, from 13.4% in 2019 to 18.8% in 2022-23. This broke a downward trend since 2010, when 18.7% had used illicit drugs.
In South Australia, the age group with the highest percentage of people who reported recent illicit drug use was aged 18-24 years (36.3%). There were no significant changes between 2019 and 2022-23 for any age group.
The National Drug Strategy refers to young people (10-24) as a priority population group, and there are differences in drug use patterns between those aged 14-17 and 18-24. While young people in both age groups were most likely to have used cannabis, the next most commonly used drugs among those aged 18-24 were cocaine and ecstasy, while for those aged 14-17 they were inhalants and pharmaceuticals used for non-medical purposes.
Some population groups are at greater risk of experiencing disproportionate harms associated with illicit drug use, including young people, people with mental health conditions, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. For example, the Private Lives survey showed that 44% of LGBTQIA+ participants had used one or more drugs for non-medical purposes in the previous 6 months, with 30% using cannabis and 13.9% using ecstasy/MDMA.
Overall, the use of illicit drugs among young people in Australia is a significant issue, with potential risks and harms differing between those under 18 and those aged 18-24.
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Drug overdose deaths
The majority of drug overdose deaths are due to acute overdose and are often caused by opioids (including heroin and prescription drugs), benzodiazepines (tranquilisers and sleeping pills), and other pharmaceuticals. In 2018, pharmaceutical opioids were present in over 70% of opioid-induced deaths. The rate of opioid-induced deaths with synthetic opioids present has increased significantly over the last decade, while deaths with naturally derived and semi-synthetic opioids present have decreased. The highest proportion of opioid-induced deaths occurs in those aged between 35 and 44, while 87.5% of deaths occur between the ages of 25 and 64.
In 2022, there were 2,356 drug-induced deaths in Australia, of which 69% were considered accidental, and 24% were considered intentional. Over three-quarters of overdose deaths (78%) occurred at home. The rate of unintentional drug-induced deaths is significantly higher among Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Harm minimisation efforts in some states include supervised injecting sites, drug checking services, and programs to improve access to the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone. However, these efforts remain small-scale and account for only a small percentage of state and federal drug policy funding.
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Drug-related hospital admissions
Drug misuse is a significant issue in Australia, with an estimated 10.2 million people aged 14 and over having used illicit drugs at some point in their lives, according to the 2022-2023 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. This has resulted in a substantial number of drug-related hospital admissions, which have placed a strain on the country's healthcare system.
Medication-related problems are a notable contributor to hospital admissions in Australia. A review of literature from 1988 to 2021 revealed that an estimated 250,000 to 280,000 hospital admissions annually are medication-related, incurring a cost of approximately AUD$1.4 billion to the healthcare system. These admissions are often due to adverse drug reactions or medication errors, with two-thirds of these admissions being deemed preventable.
The elderly population in Australia is particularly vulnerable to adverse drug reactions, as evident from a retrospective study at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Additionally, studies have shown that drug-related admissions are prevalent among paediatric patients, with medication-related problems contributing to hospital admissions in children.
Illicit drug use has also led to a significant number of hospital admissions. For instance, heroin-related hospital admissions in Australia have surged, doubling between 2008 and 2018 and reaching their highest level since 2001. Furthermore, opioid abuse is on the rise, with an increasing number of people using these drugs each year. This trend has resulted in a spike in overdose deaths, making it the leading cause of accidental death in Australia.
Drug misuse among specific populations, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, also warrants attention. A survey of LGBTQIA+ people in Australia revealed that 44% had used one or more drugs for non-medical purposes in the previous six months, with 14% experiencing difficulties in managing their drug use or facing negative impacts on their daily lives.
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Drug misuse among LGBTIQ+ people
In Australia, drug misuse is a significant issue, with an estimated 3.9 million people (18%) reporting illicit drug use in the previous 12 months in 2022-23. This includes the non-medical use of pharmaceuticals, which is a growing concern in the country. Among people aged 14 and over, the most commonly used illicit drug in the past year was cannabis (11.5%), followed by cocaine (4.5%) and hallucinogens (2.4%).
Within the LGBTIQ+ community in Australia, drug misuse is also prevalent. Research has shown that rates of illicit drug use among LGBTIQ+ young people are considerably higher than in the general population, particularly among those who have faced LGBTIQ+-related prejudice, harassment, or homelessness. In a survey of 6,418 LGBTIQ+ individuals aged 14-21, 5,914 participants provided information on their illicit drug use, highlighting the extent of the issue within this demographic.
One study, 'Private Lives', is Australia's largest national survey of the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people. It found that 44% of participants had used one or more drugs for non-medical purposes in the previous 6 months, with cannabis being the most common at 30%, followed by ecstasy/MDMA at 13.9%. Notably, 14% of participants reported struggling to manage their drug use or experiencing negative impacts on their everyday lives due to their drug use.
The higher rates of drug misuse among LGBTIQ+ individuals may be influenced by the perception that substance use is more accepted within LGBTIQ+ communities than in the general population. Young people in these communities perceive a higher level of acceptability towards alcohol and 'hard drug' use, which may contribute to the normalization of substance use as a community norm. This perception extends beyond substance use, with LGBTIQ+ communities viewed as more accepting of behaviors deemed illegal or not part of mainstream culture.
To effectively address drug misuse among LGBTIQ+ people, it is essential to tailor interventions to the unique cultural, socio-political, and ethical values of these communities. This includes creating safe spaces and activities that facilitate socialization without relying on substance use and encouraging open discussions about the impact of substance use culture within LGBTIQ+ communities.
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Drug misuse prevention policies
According to the 2022–2023 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), an estimated 10.2 million (47%) Australians aged 14 and over had used an illicit drug at some point in their lifetime, with 3.9 million (18%) having used an illicit drug in the previous 12 months. This is a significant drug misuse problem that requires a comprehensive policy response. Here are some key drug misuse prevention policies that could be considered:
Supply reduction strategies
Supply reduction aims to reduce the availability of drugs within the community. This includes preventing and disrupting the production and supply of illegal drugs, as well as regulating the availability of legal drugs such as alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceuticals. Strategies may include restrictions on sales to minors, controlling where these substances can be sold, and restrictions on public consumption. Pricing and taxation policies can also be used to regulate the availability of legal drugs.
Demand reduction strategies
Demand reduction strategies focus on preventing drug use and reducing the demand for drugs. This includes prevention and education initiatives, such as raising awareness about the health effects of drug use and providing alternatives to substance use. Treatment services are also a critical component of demand reduction, offering behavioural change programs, withdrawal management, counselling, and residential rehabilitation. Addressing the social determinants of health, such as employment, housing, and social inclusion, can also help reduce the demand for drugs.
Harm reduction strategies
Harm reduction strategies aim to minimise the negative consequences of drug use for individuals, families, and communities. In the case of illicit drugs, this includes needle syringe programs to reduce the transmission of blood-borne viruses, supervised injecting facilities, overdose education, and naloxone distribution. For alcohol, harm reduction strategies include responsible service of alcohol, mobile patrols, drink-driving interventions, and sobering-up shelters. Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke, especially for young people, is also important.
Law enforcement and penalties
Drug laws in Australia vary between federal, state, and territory levels. The Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act divides illegal drugs into three classes based on their perceived danger. Criminal drug use penalties depend on the type of drug, the quantity involved, and whether it is for personal use or trafficking. For example, small quantities may result in a fine or warning, while larger amounts or committing crimes under the influence can lead to jail time. Random roadside drug testing is now common across Australian states and territories, with zero-tolerance policies for illicit drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
The most commonly misused drug in Australia is cannabis. In 2022-23, 11.1% to 11.5% of Australians used cannabis in the previous 12 months.
In 2020, around 340,000 Australians used opioids at some point in their lives, a 35% jump from 251,000 in 2017.
According to the 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 47% of Australians aged 14 and over had used an illicit drug at some point in their lifetime, and 18% to 20.4% had used an illicit drug in the previous 12 months.
In 2015, there were 3,027 drug overdose deaths in Australia, rising to an estimated 3,500+ in 2020.
