Does pharmaceutical drug use for non-medical purposes in Australia vary by jurisdiction?
Small differences between jurisdictions are apparent in lifetime and past year rates of pharmaceutical drug† use for non-medical purposes.
Among Australians in NSW, 7% have used any pharmaceutical drug for non-medical purposes in their lifetime; and 3% have done so in the past year.
Among Australians in VIC, 9% have used any pharmaceutical drug for non-medical purposes in their lifetime; and 4% have done so in the past year.
Among Australians in QLD7% have used any pharmaceutical drug for non-medical purposes in their lifetime; and 3% have done so in the past year.
Among Australians in WA, 8% have used any pharmaceutical drug for non-medical purposes in their lifetime; and 4% have done so in the past year.
Among Australians in SA, 7% have used any pharmaceutical drug for non-medical purposes in their lifetime; and 3% have done so in the past year.
Among Australians in TAS, 7% have used any pharmaceutical drug for non-medical purposes in their lifetime; and 3% have done so in the past year.
Among Australians in the ACT, 5% have used any pharmaceutical drug for non-medical purposes in their lifetime; and 2% have done so in the past year.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
† 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:
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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).