How often do Australians usually use pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?
Among Australians who used pharmaceutical drugs† for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, the largest proportion typically used once or twice a year or every few months. The smallest proportion used every day.
Among Australians who have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, 67% use every day, 142% use once a week or more, 145% use about once a month, 252% use every few months, and 414% use once or twice a year.
Among Australians who have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, 5%* use every day, 151% use once a week or more, 169% use about once a month, 3222% use every few months, and 3143% use once or twice a 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)); 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).