Are Australians who use pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes more likely to be diagnosed with/treated for mental illnesses, compared to those who use pharmaceutical drugs for medical purposes only?
A significantly larger proportion of Australians who have used pharmaceutical drugs† for non-medical purposes in their lifetime have been diagnosed with/treated for a mental illness, compared to those who have used pharmaceutical drugs for medical purposes only.
31% of Australians who have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime have been diagnosed and/or treated for a mental illness compared to 20% who have used pharmaceutical drugs for medical purposes only in their lifetime, and 11% who have not used pharmaceutical drugs for any purpose in their lifetime.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
† This FAQ uses data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, which defines the pharmaceutical drugs referred to in this question as: the medical or 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)); and tranquillisers/sleeping pills (e.g., Benzodiazepines, Sleepers, Diazapam, Tranks, Temazepam, Mogadon, Rivotril, Serapax, Xanax, Stilnox, Rohypnol, Hypnodorm, Valium, Alprax, Alprazolam) and methadone/buprenorphine (e.g., Done, Junk, Bupe, Sub).
Non-medical use:
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Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience
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Using a pharmaceutical drug in a way that it was not prescribed / recommended (e.g. using it to enhance the effects of an illicit drug, taking it more frequently or at higher doses to induce a feeling, for performance enhancement including athletic and academic performance, or for weight loss).
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.