Among those not in the labour force, are men or women in Australia more likely to have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months?
Similar proportions of Australian men and women who are not in the labour force have used pharmaceutical drugs† for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months.
2% of Australian men not in the labour force have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, 1% have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes, and 3% have used any pharmaceutical drugs.
2% of Australian women not in the labour force have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, 1% have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes, and 3% have used any pharmaceutical drugs.
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 pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids (oxycodone, morphine, codeine products such as panadeine forte (excluding paracetamol, asprin and ibuprofen where these drugs are the only active ingredients)), tranquillisers/sleeping pills (e.g., sleepers, benzos, tranks, temazzies, temaze, rivotril, serepax, serries, xanax, xannies, stilnox, rohypnol, rowies, valium) and methadone/buprenorphine (e.g., done, junk, jungle juice, bupe, sub).
** Estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use.
Non-medical use: Drugs used:
- By itself to induce a drug experience or feeling; or
- With other drugs in order to enhance a drug experience.
Not in the Labour Force: Engaged in home duties, volunteer/charity work, student, retiree/pensioner, other.