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What proportion of Australians have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime?

Most Australians (67%) have used pharmaceutical drugs^† 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)); 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Are men or women in Australia more likely to have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime?

Australian women (71%) are significantly more likely to have used pharmaceutical drugs^† in their lifetime compared to men (63%).

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

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.

†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)); 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Are younger or older Australians more likely to have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime?

In general, older Australians are significantly more likely than younger Australians to have used pharmaceutical drugs^† in their lifetime.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Significance is established at p<0.05.

†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)); 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

What types of pharmaceutical drugs have Australians used in their lifetime?

Most Australians (64%) have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids during their lifetime, and a quarter (26%) have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills. Smaller proportions have used methadone/buprenorphine (1%).

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)); 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Have men and women in Australia used different types of pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime?

Women are significantly more likely than men to have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids and tranquillisers/sleeping pills during their lifetime. The same proportion of men and women have used methadone/buprenorphine.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

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.

†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)); 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Have younger and older Australians used different types of pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime?

Pharmaceutical drug† use is significantly more likely among older age groups. The most commonly used pharmaceutical drugs in all age groups are pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids.

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.

†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).

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience
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).

Does lifetime pharmaceutical drug use in Australia vary by geographic location?

Lifetime use of pharmaceutical drugs† is significantly higher in regional/remote areas compared to major cities.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Significance is established at p<0.05.

†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)); 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Does lifetime pharmaceutical drug use in Australia vary by jurisdiction?

Lifetime use of pharmaceutical drugs† varies according to jurisdiction.

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)); 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).

* 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.

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

What proportion of Australians have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?

Seven percent of Australians have used pharmaceutical drugs† for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, 3% have used in the past 12 months, 1% have used in the past month, and 0.7% have used in the past week.

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)); 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Are men or women in Australia more likely to have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?

Similar proportions of Australian men and women have used pharmaceutical drugs^† for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, the past 12 months, the past month, and the past week.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

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.

†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., 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Are younger or older Australians more likely to have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?

Non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs† is generally higher among young adults. Typically, smaller proportions of older adults (aged 50+) and teenagers (aged 14-17) report using pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Significance is established at p<0.05.

†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., Benzodiazepines, Sleepers, Diazapam, Tranks, Temazepam, Mogadon, Rivotril, Serapax, Xanax, Stilnox, Rohypnol, Hypnodorm, Valium, Alprax, Alprazolam) and methadone/buprenorphine (e.g., Done, Junk, Bupe, Sub).

* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Is the employment status of Australians related to non-medical pharmaceutical drug use in the past 12 months?

Australians who are unemployed (6%) are significantly more likely to have used pharmaceutical drugs^† for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months than Australians who are employed (3%) or not in the labour force (3%)

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)), 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).

Employed: Self-employed or working for salary or wages.

Employment Status: Whether an individual is currently: a) employed; b) unemployed; or c) not in the labour force.

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.

Not in the Labour Force: Engaged in home duties, volunteer/charity work, student, retiree/pensioner, other.

Unemployed: Those who are not currently working and are actively seeking employment.

What is the average age at which Australians start to use pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?

The age at which Australians first start to use pharmaceutical drugs† for non-medical purposes differs by drug type. The average age at which Australians started using pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids for non-medical purposes is 24 years, compared to 28 years for tranquillisers/sleeping pills and 27 years for methadone/buprenorphine.

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)); 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

What types of pharmaceutical drugs do Australians use for non-medical purposes?

Pharmaceutical drugs† that Australians have used for non-medical purposes in their lifetime include pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids (5%), tranquillisers/sleeping pills (4%) and methadone/buprenorphine (0.2%).

In the past year, 2% of Australians used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids and 2% used tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes. Very few reported recently using methadone/buprenorphine for non-medical purposes.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

†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., 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Do men and women in Australia use different types of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?

In general, similar proportions of Australian men and women have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids, tranquilisers/sleeping pills, and methadone/buprenorphine for non-medical purposes.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Please note: 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., Benzodiazepines, Sleepers, Diazapam, Tranks, Temazepam, Mogadon, Rivotril, Serapax, Xanax, Stilnox, Rohypnol, Hypnodorm, Valium, Alprax, Alprazolam) and methadone/buprenorphine (e.g., Done, Junk, Bupe, Sub).

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.

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Do younger and older Australians use different types of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?

The non-medical use of both pain-killer/pain-relievers/opioids and tranquillisers/sleeping pills is generally higher among young and middle-aged adults (aged 18 – 49 years), while older adults (aged 50+) tend to have lower rates of use.

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., sleepers, benzos, tranks, temazzies, temaze, rivotril, serepax, serries, xanax, xannies, stilnox, rohypnol, rowies, valium).

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.

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.

Does pharmaceutical drug use for non-medical purposes vary by geographic location in Australia?

Australians living in major cities are significantly more likely to have ever used pharmaceutical drugs† for non-medical purposes (8% vs 7%). However, rates of non-medical use in the past year are similar (3% each).

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Signficance is established as p<0.05.

†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).

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Does pharmaceutical drug use for non-medical purposes in Australia vary by jurisdiction?

Small differences between jurisdictions are apparent in lifetime and past year rates of pharmaceutical drug^†use for non-medical purposes.

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)); 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:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Where do Australians obtain pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?

Australians usually obtain both pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids and tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes via a prescription.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. 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).

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Where do Australians use pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?

The majority of Australians who used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids or tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months typically used them in private homes (90% and 85%, respectively).

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Please note: 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).

* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

How often do Australians usually use pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?

Among Australians who used pharmaceutical drugs^† for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, the largest proportion typically used once or twice a year or every few months. The smallest proportion used every day.

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).

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Do men or women in Australia use pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes more often?

Among Australians who have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, men and women use with similar frequency.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Please note: 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).

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. Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding.

* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

What proportion of Australians who used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes concurrently used other drugs?

Among Australians who used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, approximately half (52%) used another drug at the same time. The drugs most commonly used concurrently with pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids were alcohol (38%) and tobacco (23%).

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Please note: 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)).

Non-medical use:

Using a drug for recreational purposes to induce or enhance a drug experience

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).

Do the levels of pharmaceutical drugs in wastewater in Australia vary by geographic location?

Oxycodone and fentanyl use vary substantially between Australian jurisdictions^†. Both oxycodone and fentanyl use were higher in regional areas than in capital cities.

Estimated oxycodone consumption for April 2022 in mass consumed per day (left axis) and doses per day (right axis) per thousand people^

Estimated fentanyl consumption for April 2022 in mass consumed per day (left axis) and doses per day (right axis) per thousand people^

Estimated average oxycodone consumption per jurisdiction for April 2022 in mg consumed per day per thousand people^

Estimated average fentanyl consumption per jurisdiction for April 2022 in mg consumed per day per thousand people^

^ The number of collection days varied from 5-7 days

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (2022). National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program: Report 17. Canberra: ACIC.

†This FAQ uses data from the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program, which measures the major metabolite of oxycodone and fentanyl, two legally prescribed pharmaceuticals with abuse potential. Please note that wastewater analysis cannot differentiate between prescribed use and use for non-medical purposes.