Overview

Illicit use of drugs causes death and disability and is a risk factor for many diseases. It is also associated with risks to users' family and friends and to the community. Illicit use of drugs includes use of illegal drugs, misuse or non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs, or inappropriate use of other substances (such as inhalants).

Need help now? Lifeline 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.

Featured reports

Latest findings

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable health burden in Australia

Over the past 50 years, levels of apparent consumption of different alcoholic beverages changed substantially

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Australia

Daily tobacco smoking rate dropped from 11.0% to 8.3% between 2019 and 2022–‍2023

Use of electronic cigarettes and vapes nearly tripled between 2019 (2.5%) and 2022–‍2023 (7.0%)

Around 1 in 3 people (31%) in Australia drank alcohol in ways that put their health at risk in 2022–‍2023

More reports and statistics on illicit use of drugs can be found under Alcohol, Alcohol & other drug treatment services and Smoking and e-cigarettes.