State Drug Use
The latest Australian national drug survey shows that in general a higher proportion of people living in the Northern Territory had used cannabis in the last 12 months compared to other states and territories.
People living in remote and very remote areas of Australia were more likely to use illicit drugs like cannabis.
People living in Australian major cities and regional areas were more likely to use illicit drugs like cocaine.
Twice as many Northern Territorians had used cannabis in the last 12 months compared to Tasmanians.
One in ten Australians had used cannabis in the past year.
South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and Northern Territory were above the national average of ecstasy use.
(Source: 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, July 2011)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
This survey of recent illicit drug use shows that much more needs to be done to reduce the harm of illicit drugs.
Australian illicit drug use is 5 times higher than countries like Sweden that has proven that drug use can be reduced by best practice policies.
Clearly the message of the harm of cannabis use is not getting through to young Australians particularly in remote areas.
As most recent illicit drug users are in their twenties the target for drug rehabilitation should be this age group.
Court ordered and supervised drug detoxification and rehabilitation is world’s best practice in reducing the number of drug users.
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.
37/2011
