First Drug Use Ages
The latest Australian national drug survey shows that the average of first use of cannabis for those Australians that have ever used an illicit drug is 18.5 years.
The average age of first use of -
- Ecstasy is 22 years
- ICE (methamphetamines) and amphetamines is 21 years
- Cocaine is 23 years
- Heroin is 21 years
- Ketamine is 23 years
- GHB is 24 years
- Injected drugs is 21 years.
(Source: 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, July 2011)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
This survey of Australians illicit drug users shows that whilst average age is early twenties, many first time users start in their early teens.
Whilst average age at first use is interesting, early use by teenagers has the potential to do more harm than later age of first drug use.
Children’s brain development is not completed until they are in their early twenties so the damage to forming brain cells has the potential for greater and permanent harm.
This is why dissuading teenagers against illicit drug use that convinces them not to use drugs in later life is best practice.
World’s best practice in reducing the number of drug users focuses on teenagers because this cuts off the new drug users in later years.
The Australian first use figures above shows cannabis is usually the first illicit drug used which becomes the gateway to other illicit drugs.
Reducing the number of illicit drug users should be a policy priority.
THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-
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.
38/2011
