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.