Have younger and older Australians used different types of pharmaceutical drugs in their lifetime?
Pharmaceutical drug† use is significantly more likely among older age groups. The most commonly used pharmaceutical drugs in all age groups are pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids.
Among 14-17 year olds, 38% have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids in their lifetime; and and 9% have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills.
Among 18-24 year olds, 47% have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids in their lifetime; and 16% have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills.
Among 25-29 year olds, 59% have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids in their lifetime; and 19% have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills.
Among 30-39 year olds, 65% have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids in their lifetime; and and 25% have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills.
Among 40-49 year olds, 71% have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids in their lifetime; and 29% have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills.
Among 50-59 year olds, 72% have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids in their lifetime; and 31% have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills.
Among 60+ year olds, 70% have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids in their lifetime; and 31% have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Significance is established as 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)); and tranquillisers/sleeping pills (e.g., Benzodiazepines, Sleepers, Diazapam, Tranks, Temazepam, Mogadon, Rivotril, Serapax, Xanax, Stilnox, Rohypnol, Hypnodorm, Valium, Alprax, Alprazolam).
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).