Do Australians approve or disapprove of the personal use of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?
The majority of Australians disapprove of the regular use of pharmaceutical drugs† for non-medical purposes, particularly methadone/buprenorphine.
9% of Australians approve of the non-medical use of tranquillisers/sleeping pills; 25% neither approve nor disapprove; and 65% disapprove.
12% of Australians approve of the non-medical use of prescription pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids; 19% neither approve nor disapprove; and 69% disapprove.
1% of Australians approve of the non-medical use of methadone/buprenorphine; 7% neither approve nor disapprove; and 91% disapprove.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).
† This FAQ uses data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, which defines the pharmaceutical drugs referred to in this question as: the non-medical use of: tranquillisers/sleeping pills, prescription pain-killers/pain relievers/opioids (e.g. oxycodone, morphine, codeine products such as panadeine forte), and methadone/buprenorphine.
Non-medical use: A drug used:
- By itself to induce a drug experience or feeling; or
- With other drugs in order to enhance a drug experience.
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding.