About the NADK

Australia has produced a large number of alcohol- and drug-related datasets that cover a diverse range of areas, including health, social welfare, law enforcement, and education. However, these datasets can be difficult to locate, access, and utilise.

The NADK therefore uses consensus-derived quality standards to select appropriate data to answer specific questions. It aims to present accurate and up-to-date information in a simple and easily understood format.

Each section of the NADK (alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, pharmaceuticals) was developed using a three-stage process. All stages were assisted by an Expert Working Group consisting of policy-makers, data custodians and researchers.

• Stage 1 involved identifying relevant datasets and assessing each dataset’s suitability for inclusion in the NADK.  
• Stage 2 involved developing a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address common queries about alcohol and drug use. The FAQs were grouped into several main categories, each containing sub-categories. Demographic delineations were typically limited to gender, age and employment status.
• Stage 3 involved developing informative yet simple answers to the FAQs. Some FAQs were answered by extracting data from existing reports, while others required further data analysis. These secondary data analyses were mostly undertaken by NCETA.

In order to ensure all content of the NADK is as accurate and up-to-date as possible, the FAQs are continually revisited and revised as new data becomes available.