What is the survey about?
The survey is about respondents' attitudes towards tobacco, alcohol and other drugs and how widely these drugs are used. The results of the survey are used by policy makers and researchers and other interested groups to better understand and address the issues surrounding tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Who is conducting this survey?
The survey is being conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing provides primary funding for this survey. Roy Morgan Research Pty Ltd is collecting the information for this survey through door-to-door drop and collect surveys.
Why was I selected to complete the survey?
Your household has been randomly selected to be in this survey, along with more than 25,000 other households. In each household one person aged 12 or over is asked to complete the survey. This is whoever has the next birthday.
This way of selecting you, and all the other participants in the survey, makes it more likely that the results we get are representative of households in Australia.
How is my privacy protected?
The survey is conducted under the AIHW Act, which prohibits the publication or public release of information about individuals collected in the survey.
The research is carried out in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the information is only used for research purposes. No information will be published in a way that would enable an individual or household to be identified.
Can the AIHW report any illegal activities to the authorities?
Under the AIHW Act, all people connected with this survey - from the interviewers to the researchers - must sign a declaration of confidentiality, so that they cannot release any information to anyone on any person responding to this survey. This means that the information collected is protected by law. No one (not even the police) have access to personal information collected for this survey.
I don't drink alcohol, smoke tobacco or take other drugs so should I complete the survey?
Everyone's answers are important - it does not matter if you have never used alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Your reasons for using or not using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs are important for this study, along with your attitudes towards these substances. For this survey we need to obtain answers from a broad range of people so that the survey results represent the views and behaviours of all Australians.
What does the AIHW do with the responses?
Results from this survey will be analysed by the AIHW and a report about the results will be published on the AIHW website. For example of reports produced from previous waves of the survey, see 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey report .
Is the survey voluntary?
The survey is entirely voluntary, but your participation is important so that we can obtain information from a wide cross-section of the population.
Where can I get more information about drugs and other issues?
For general information about alcohol and other drugs you can visit the Alcohol and Drug Information Network website at
www.druginfo.adf.org.au.
If you have any concerns about your own or other's alcohol or drug use you can discuss this with your local General Practitioner.
For emotional support please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) www.lifeline.org.au.
If you want to contact a drug treatment agency you can find out more about these services by visiting the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Directory website at www.aodservices.net.au.
For support or treatment in your state/territory, you can contact one of the state services listed below.
New South Wales
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS)
Sydney: 02 9361 8000
Regional NSW: 1800 422 599
A 24-hour confidential information, advice and referral telephone service.
Victoria
Direct Line1800 888 236
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral line.
Queensland
Alcohol and Drug Information Services (ADIS) 1800 177 833
24-hour Alcohol and Drug Information Service.
Western Australia
WA Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS)
Perth: 08 9442 5000
Regional WA: 1800 198 024
A 24-hour, confidential telephone service that provides information, counselling, referral and advice.
South Australia
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) 1300 131 340
A 24-hour telephone information, counselling and referral service.
Tasmania
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) 1800 811 994
24-hour telephone service offering information, advice, referral, intake, assessment and support.
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Health Services: Alcohol & Other Drugs 02 6207 9977
24-hour telephone service offering information, advice, referral, intake, assessment and support.
Northern Territory
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) 1800 131 350
24-hour alcohol and drug telephone information and counselling service