LATEST DRUG USE UPDATE
The 2007 National Drug Strategy household Survey confirms Australians as high users of illicit drugs.
In excess of one in eight Australians over the age of 14 years used an illicit drug in the previous 12 months.
The main drugs used were cannabis, ecstasy, ICE (methamphetamines) and cocaine.
One in five Northern Territorians over the age of 14 years used an illicit drug during the previous 12 months with cannabis the main drug used.
According to the survey, in order of highest illicit drug use, the Australian jurisdictions were-
Northern Territory
Western Australia
Tasmania
South Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Queensland
Victoria
New South Wales
(Source: 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey August 2008)
The Drug Advisory Council of Australia comments-
The four principle illicit drugs used in Australia being cannabis, ecstasy, ICE and cocaine are highly harmful to the physical and mental health of users so users will need increasing health services.
Early intervention detoxification and rehabilitation that eliminates the demand for illicit drugs is more necessary than ever.
Key government illicit drug policy initiatives should focus on the four major drugs used and specify that Australian drug use be reduced to worlds best practice.
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
38/2008