Alcohol, tobacco and other drug use is a major cause of preventable disease, illness and death in Australia. This report consolidates recent information on the availability and consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in Australia, and related impacts, harms and treatment.

This report is regularly updated with data from a range of sources. There are differences in the source year and frequency of publication. See the Summary of main data sources and Notes for more information. Content is correct as at 31 March 2023. Reports released after this date will be included in the next scheduled release.

  • Cat. no: PHE 221

Insights from latest data update

In 2019–20 alcohol-related injuries resulted in >

30,000 hospitalisations (118 per 100,000 population), and 1,900 deaths (7.7 per 100,000 population)

In 2021–22, alcohol was the most common drug people sought treatment for >

42% of treatment episodes, up from 37% in 2020–21

Clients receiving opioid pharmacotherapy treatment are getting older >

33% of clients in 2021 were aged 50 and over, an increase from 16% in 2011

Drug-induced deaths declined for the 4th consecutive year in 2021 >

1,704 deaths (6.6 deaths per 100,000 population)

The 2022 National Drug Strategy Household Survey is currently being conducted across Australia. You may be selected to participate. Find out more at www.aihw.gov.au/2022-ndshs

In this report

Explore the 3 pillars of harm minimisation, including demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.
Explore by health, social and economic impacts, including deaths, risky behaviours, and household expenditure.
Explore by drug type, including availability, consumption, hospitalisations, deaths, and treatment.
Explore by priority populations, including consumption, geographic trends, deaths, and treatment.