Use Patterns

This section provides information about the ways in which Australians use cocaine. It addresses how much and how often Australians use cocaine, the most common types used, and methods and locations of use.

The primary source of data used in this section is the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020). The NDSHS is a triennial general population survey of Australians' awareness, attitudes, and behaviours relating to alcohol and other drug use. It is the best data source available to provide a national population demographic profile of Australians’ cocaine use behaviours.

• What proportion of Australians have used cocaine?

• Has the prevalence of cocaine use in Australia changed over time?

• Has the prevalence of cocaine use in Australia changed over time by gender?

• Has the prevalence of cocaine use in Australia changed over time by age?

• Are men or women in Australia more likely to have used cocaine?

• Are younger or older Australians more likely to have used cocaine?

• What is the average age at which Australians start to use cocaine?

• What is the main form of cocaine used by Australians?

• Has the main form of cocaine used by Australians changed over time?

• Do men and women in Australia use different forms of cocaine?

• Do younger and older Australians use different forms of cocaine?

• How do Australians use cocaine?

• Do men and women in Australia use cocaine differently?

• Do younger and older Australians use cocaine differently?

• Does cocaine use in Australia vary by geographic location?

• Does cocaine use in Australia vary by geographic location and gender?

• Does cocaine use in Australia vary by geographic location and age?

• Does cocaine use in Australia vary by jurisdiction?

• Where do Australians obtain cocaine?

• How often do Australians use cocaine?

• Do men or women in Australia use cocaine more often?

• Do younger or older Australians use cocaine more often?

• How much cocaine do Australians usually use?

• Do men or women in Australia use more cocaine?

• Do younger or older Australians use more cocaine?

• Do levels of cocaine in wastewater in Australia vary by geographic location?