Analysis of changes in age of initiation of illicit drug use in Australia
Research shows that earlier initiation of drug use is associated with a range of adverse outcomes later in life including problematic substance use patterns, the use of other illicit drugs, engaging in risk behaviours, greater involvement in criminal activity and completion of fewer years of education.
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) is a representative population sample of Australians that asks about illicit drug use. Analyses of the 1998 NDSHS data found that more recent age cohorts (i.e. younger Australians) were significantly more likely to have initiated a range of drugs (including cannabis, amphetamines, heroin and LSD) by 15 years of age and they had a lower mean age of first drug use compared to their older counterparts. The study also found increased recent use of illicit drugs among the younger birth cohorts.
There have been many changes in illicit drug markets in Australia since the late 1990s including increasing prevalence of amphetamine and methamphetamine use and declines in cannabis use across all age cohorts, but most dramatically among the younger birth cohorts.
This project is open to students
Update data and monitor trends
The objective is to update analysis of NDSHS survey data over time (2001 to 2022) to monitor trends in age of initiation and prevalence of illicit drug use by birth cohort over time among Australians.
Open to
- Honours
- Masters by research
Supervisors
More student projects
View 62 more
Young people’s health in Australia: statistics from the Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll survey
Every year, we survey young people about their sexual health, drug use, mental health and wellbeing. That data informs public health policies and programs.
Germinal centre organoids to investigate human immune response to infection and vaccination
We're using germinal centre organoid models to investigate human immune development to malaria parasites and malaria vaccines.
Impact of malaria and other host factors on COVID-19 immune responses following infection and vaccination
Understanding immune development to the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) in areas of high malaria transmission will inform future COVID-19 control strategies and underlying immune development.
Project contacts
Student supervisor contacts
Professor Paul Dietze
Program Director, Disease Elimination; Professor and Program Leader, National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)
Project team
Dr Amanda Roxburgh
Senior Research Fellow
Professor Paul Dietze
Program Director, Disease Elimination; Professor and Program Leader, National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)
Why study at Burnet?
When you study at Burnet, you broaden your impact working across our three Institute-wide programs: Disease Elimination; Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness; Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health.
Train with internationally recognised experts in a structured student support system, and gain a holistic research experience along the way.