who uses drugs?

A number of state and national surveys have been conducted to assess the extent of drug use in Australia. These surveys provide clear evidence that Australia is a nation of drug users.

The 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey ^[1] estimates that of the Australian population aged 14 years and over, at some time in their lives:

90.71% had used alcohol;
47.1% had used tobacco;
33.61% had used marijuana;
5.5% had used analgesics (pain-killers); ^(a)
2.8% had used tranquillisers/sleeping pills; ^(a)
7.5% had used hallucinogens;
9.1% had used methamphetamine (speed); ^(a)
7.5% had used ecstasy; ^(c)
4.7% had used cocaine;
2.5% had used inhalants;
1.4% had used heroin;
0.3% had used steroids; ^(a) and
0.3% had used methadone. ^(b)

For non-medical purposes.
Non-maintenance.
This category included substances known as 'designer drugs' prior to 2004.