AIHW news

Fieldwork for national survey about alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs fieldwork continues in 2023

Fieldwork for the 14th National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) has resumed from 20 March 2023. It began in mid-2022 and concluded for the year in mid-December.

The survey is a national household survey of randomly selected persons aged 14 years and over living in residential dwellings. The fieldwork is being conducted by Roy Morgan. The survey started in 1985 and is held every 3 years. The latest survey is the 14th in the series.

The results of the survey are expected to be released in early 2024. More than 21,500 people aged 14 and over are expected to complete the survey, from all Australian states and territories. Multiple methods are available to complete the survey; including online, paper questionnaire and over the phone. All responses collected in the survey are confidential and strictly protected by law.

The survey is part of the Australian Government’s National Drug Strategy, which aims to improve Australians’ health and wellbeing. Researchers and policymakers use the results of the NDSHS to better understand the issues surrounding tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

The results from the survey provide Australian policy makers and support services important guidance on changes and trends of usage and attitudes over time. In addition to monitoring trends, the survey also captures important data on emerging issues such as support for pill testing/drug checking services, and emerging policy issues including vaping and medicinal use of cannabis.

The survey remains contemporary by continuous development of new questions to ensure policymakers have access to the latest evidence on emerging issues. With a range of new government policies introduced in recent years to combat the harms caused by drug and alcohol use, future editions of the survey will help policymakers and researchers understand whether these initiatives are working.

The results from this survey help improve the delivery of public health programs in your community and tailoring education programs to improve the public’s understanding of the harms associated with drug use.

Results for the 2019 NDSHS are published on the AIHW website – National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019 report. There were 22,272 completed when the survey was last conducted in 2019.

For those asked to participate, we hope that you will take the time to complete the survey and share your views and opinions on drug use and policy interventions.

For further information about completing the 2022 NDSHS, including frequently asked questions, visit National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022.

**To access free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, phone the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline - 1800 250 015**

Previous article Next article