Use

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 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). 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.

Given the small proportion of Australian youth who use cocaine, there is little reliable and meaningful data about this population group available. As a result, this section presents only one FAQ, drawn from the 2022-23 Australian Secondary School Students’ Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) Survey (Cancer Council Victoria, 2024).

• What proportion of Australians have used cocaine?

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

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

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

• Is the employment status of Australians related to cocaine use?

• 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?

• How do Australians use cocaine?

• Does cocaine use in Australia vary by geographic location?

• 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?

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