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?
Fourteen percent of Australians have used cocaine in their lifetime, 5% have used in the past 12 months, 2% have used in the past month, and 0.5% have used in the past week.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
Has the prevalence of cocaine use in Australia changed over time?
In 2001, 4% of Australians had used cocaine in their lifetime and 1% had used in the past 12 months. By comparison, in 2022-23, 14% of Australians had used in their lifetime and 5% in the past 12 months.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
Are men or women in Australia more likely to have used cocaine?
Australian men are significantly more likely than women to have used cocaine in their lifetime (15% vs 12%) and in the past year (5% vs 4%).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
Please note: Australians who identify as non-binary or a different gender identity were not able to be included in the current analyses due to small numbers. Significance is established at p<0.05.
Are younger or older Australians more likely to have used cocaine?
In general, cocaine use is highest among young adults in Australia, particularly those aged 25-39 years. After the age of 40, use declines with age. Teenagers (aged 14-17) also have low rates of use.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Significance is established as p<0.05.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
** Estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use.