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.
Among Australians aged 14-17 years 4% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime and 2%* in the past 12 months.
Among Australians aged 18-24 years 10% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime and 5% in the past 12 months.
Among Australians aged 25-29 years 9% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, and 4% in the past 12 months
Among Australians aged 30-39 years 9% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, and 3% in the past 12 months
Among Australians aged 40-49 years 9% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, and 4% in the past 12 months
Among Australians aged 50-59 years 7% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, and 3% in the past 12 months
Among Australians aged 60+ years 5% have used pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes in their lifetime, and 3% in the past 12 months
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
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:
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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).