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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.

 

Among Australians aged 14-17 years 39% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 18-24 years 50% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 25-29 years 61% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 30-39 years 67% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 40-49 years 73% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 50-59 years 75% have used pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime.
Among Australians aged 60-69 years 73% 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).