Drugs

Drugs are substances, other than food or water, that alter the way the body functions, physically or mentally. Most are used to treat medical conditions and are prescribed by a doctor, but some are illegal. Drugs can be dangerous. Find help to reduce your drug use or support someone close to you.

Learn about drugs

Find out about drugs — what they are, how they can affect you and how to reduce your risk.

What are the effects of taking drugs?

Understand what happens in your body when you take drugs and how it can affect your health, your finances, your friends and your family.

How to reduce or quit drugs

Quitting drugs can be hard. It's important to get the right support and have a plan.

Drug laws in Australia

Find out which drugs are illegal in Australia and learn about Australia's drug laws.

Browse drugs for

Young people

What are the risks to your health and how to say 'no' to drugs. Learn what you can do as a parent or teacher.

National Drug Strategy

The National Drug Strategy aims to reduce and prevent harm caused by drugs. Six sub-strategies focus on specific issues such as alcohol, ice, tobacco, and workforce development.

View the strategy

Latest news

Latest news

Therapeutic Goods Administration Adj. Professor John Skerritt's interview on ABC News on 20 December 2022

Read the transcript of Therapeutic Goods Administration Adjunct Professor John Skerritt's interview with Ros Childs on ABC News on 20 December 2022.

Did you know?

9 million

Australians over the age of 14 have used illicit drugs in their lifetime

The top 4

illegal drugs used are cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and hallucinogens

1 in 2

Australians think ice (methamphetamines) is the most serious drug of concern

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019

Latest resources

Latest resources

Research and analysis plan – Evidence to support the HTA Review

This infographic provides a plan for the research and analysis that will inform the HTA Policy and Methods Review.

Alcohol and Other Drugs – National quality framework mapping standards refresh

The National Quality Framework for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services sets a national quality benchmark which consumers can expect from alcohol and other drug treatment providers.

Consultation to Inform Funding for Alcohol and Other drug treatment services to support CDC trial participants

This report outlines the findings to inform the grant funding decision-making process for the delivery of alcohol and other drug treatment services for four Cashless Debit Card (CDC) trial sites: Ceduna (SA), Bundaberg-Hervey Bay (QLD), East Kimberley and the Goldfields (WA).
3:59

BreastScreen Australia – Why screen?

Listen to the stories of Judith, Julie, Clare and Merlinda on how early breast cancer screening saved their lives.