National Drugs Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS)- Illicit Drugs

Illicit substance use data
Any drug = Used at least 1 of 16 illicit drugs in 2016 (Note: the number and type of illicit drug used varied between 1998 and 2016.
Cannabis = Used in the previous 12 months
Cocaine = Used in the previous 12 months.
Ecstasy = Used in the previous 12 months.
meth/amphetamine used for non-medical purpose in the previous 12 Months.
Pain-killers/analgesics and opioids for non-medical purposes
Tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes

Steroids for non-medical purposes

OTC refers to paracetamol, aspirin and other non-opioid over-the-counter pain-killers/analgesics.
# = Statistically significant change between 2013 and 2016.
* = Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
** = Estimate has a high level of sampling error (relative standard error of 51% to 90%), meaning that it is unsuitable for most uses.
< = less than (n.p. = not published
Note: For years 2001 to 2010, 'Pain-killers/analgesics and opioids' refers to the combined rates from the 'pain-killer/analgesics' and 'other opiates' sections and may include the use of non-opioid over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as paracetamol and aspirin.
In 2013, a new question was added to the survey and captured the types of prescription and over-the-counter analgesics used allowing the 2013 data to be reanalysed including and excluding non-opioid over-the-counter drugs such as paracetamol and aspirin.
In 2016, pain-killer/analgesics and opioids sections were combined into one section and references and questions about use of non-opioid over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as paracetamol and aspirin were removed.
While analyses have been undertaken to make the 2013 and 2016 data as comparable as possible, the changes to the 2016 survey has resulted in a break in the time-series for pain-killers and opiates and also for the overall misuse of pharmaceuticals. As the data are no longer comparable, significance testing was not undertaken between 2013 and 2016 for 'pain-killers/analgesics and opioids' or misuse of any pharmaceutical.

The data is presented by the ACT Government for the purpose of disseminating information for the benefit of the public. The ACT Government has taken great care to ensure the information in this report is as correct and accurate as possible. Whilst the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. Differences in statistical methods and calculations, data updates and guidelines may result in the information contained in this report varying from previously published information.

National Drugs Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS)- Illicit Drugs

Illicit substance use data
Any drug = Used at least 1 of 16 illicit drugs in 2016 (Note: the number and type of illicit drug used varied between 1998 and 2016.
Cannabis = Used in the previous 12 months
Cocaine = Used in the previous 12 months.
Ecstasy = Used in the previous 12 months.
meth/amphetamine used for non-medical purpose in the previous 12 Months.
Pain-killers/analgesics and opioids for non-medical purposes
Tranquillisers/sleeping pills for non-medical purposes

Steroids for non-medical purposes

OTC refers to paracetamol, aspirin and other non-opioid over-the-counter pain-killers/analgesics.
# = Statistically significant change between 2013 and 2016.
* = Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
** = Estimate has a high level of sampling error (relative standard error of 51% to 90%), meaning that it is unsuitable for most uses.
< = less than (n.p. = not published
Note: For years 2001 to 2010, 'Pain-killers/analgesics and opioids' refers to the combined rates from the 'pain-killer/analgesics' and 'other opiates' sections and may include the use of non-opioid over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as paracetamol and aspirin.
In 2013, a new question was added to the survey and captured the types of prescription and over-the-counter analgesics used allowing the 2013 data to be reanalysed including and excluding non-opioid over-the-counter drugs such as paracetamol and aspirin.
In 2016, pain-killer/analgesics and opioids sections were combined into one section and references and questions about use of non-opioid over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as paracetamol and aspirin were removed.
While analyses have been undertaken to make the 2013 and 2016 data as comparable as possible, the changes to the 2016 survey has resulted in a break in the time-series for pain-killers and opiates and also for the overall misuse of pharmaceuticals. As the data are no longer comparable, significance testing was not undertaken between 2013 and 2016 for 'pain-killers/analgesics and opioids' or misuse of any pharmaceutical.

The data is presented by the ACT Government for the purpose of disseminating information for the benefit of the public. The ACT Government has taken great care to ensure the information in this report is as correct and accurate as possible. Whilst the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. Differences in statistical methods and calculations, data updates and guidelines may result in the information contained in this report varying from previously published information.