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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.

Among Australian men 8% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, 3% in the past 12 months, 1% in the past month, and 0.6% in the past week.
Among Australian women 7% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, 3% in the past 12 months, 1% in the past month, and 0.6% in the past week.
Among Australian who identify as non-binary or another term 17% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, 5% in the past 12 months, 2% in the past month, and 1% in 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).