Where do Australians use pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes?
The majority of Australians who used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids or tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months typically used them in private homes (90% and 85%, respectively).
Among Australians who have used pain-killers/pain-relievers/opioids for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, 90% typically use them in a private home, 11% in a public place/establishment, 10% at a private party, 3%* in a car or other vehicle, 3%* at a rave/dance party, and 8% somewhere else.
Among Australians who have used tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes in the past 12 months, 85% typically use them in a private home, 12% in a public place/establishment, 11% at a private party, 3%* in a car or other vehicle, 9% at a rave/dance party, and 6% somewhere else.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: 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).
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
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).