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.
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
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.
Health Technology Assessment Policy and Methods Review – Reference committee meeting agenda – 19 December 2022
Health Technology Assessment Policy and Methods Review Reference Committee agenda for the 2nd meeting on 19 December 2022.
Health Technology Assessment Policy and Methods Review Reference Committee Communique – 27 January 2023 meeting
An update from the Health Technology Assessment Policy and Methods Review Reference Committee following its meeting on 27 January 2023.