Are Australians who use pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes more likely to have high psychological distress compared to those who use pharmaceutical drugs for medical purposes only?
Australians who have used pharmaceutical drugs† for non-medical purposes in the their lifetime are significantly more likely to report high or very high levels of psychological distress, compared to those who use pharmaceutical drugs for medical purposes only.
44% of Australians who have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime report high or very high levels of psychological distress compared to 23% who have used pharmaceutical drugs for medical purposes only in their lifetime, and 19% 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 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).
Significance is established at p<0.05.
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).