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

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

Among Australians aged 14-17 years 50% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 18-24 years 57% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 25-29 years 64% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 30-39 years 69% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 40-49 years 75% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 50-59 years 76% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 60+ years 70% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).

†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., 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).

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.