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

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).