Australian Drug Use Statistics
Understanding the extent of drug use is crucial for tackling the issue effectively. Here are some key statistics from the 2022–2023 National Drug Strategy Household Survey:
General Drug Use
- Lifetime Use: 27% of Australians aged 14 and older have used an illicit drug at some point in their lives.
- Recent Use: 16.4% of Australians used an illicit drug in the past year.
Specific Drugs
- Cannabis: The most commonly used illicit drug, with 11.6% of Australians reporting use in the past year.
- Cocaine: 4.2% of Australians used cocaine in the past year.
- Ecstasy: 3.0% reported using ecstasy in the past year.
- Meth/amphetamines: 1.4% of Australians used meth/amphetamines in the past year.
Age and Gender
- Age Groups: The highest rates of drug use are found in young adults aged 20-29, with 28% reporting use in the past year.
- Gender: Men are more likely to use illicit drugs than women, with 19.3% of men and 13.7% of women reporting use in the past year.
Trends Over Time
- Increase in Cocaine Use: There has been a notable increase in cocaine use, rising from 2.5% in 2016 to 4.2% in 2023.
- Stable Cannabis Use: Cannabis use has remained relatively stable over the past decade.
Drug-Related Harms
- Overdose Deaths: In 2022, there were 1,865 drug-induced deaths in Australia, with opioids being the leading cause.
- Hospitalisations: In 2022, there were over 60,000 hospitalisations due to drug-related issues.
The Role of At-Home Drug Testing
Given the prevalence of drug use, at-home drug testing kits can play a vital role in early detection and prevention. Our kits allow individuals to:
- Monitor Personal Use: Track and manage personal drug use to make informed decisions.
- Support Loved Ones: Help family members or friends by detecting drug use early and encouraging intervention.
- Ensure Safety: Maintain a safe environment in homes and workplaces by ensuring individuals are drug-free.
For more detailed information, visit the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's website.
