Summary

Statistics on Drug Use in Australia 1998 follows the format of past reports in this series. Chapters are provided for each of the drug types covered by the NDS: tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs. Within these chapters descriptive data on consumption and, to a lesser extent, drug-related behaviours are presented. New and revised chapters cover evaluations, special population groups, drug-related health, and crime and law enforcement.

It is intended as an accessible summary of major drug-use statistical collections which will lead interested readers to sources of more detailed information. The chapter on total pharmaceutical use is provided as context for the information on non-medical use of pharmaceuticals.