The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

Topics

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.

View all drugs information

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline

1800 250 015

This hotline provides confidential support for people struggling with addiction. You can call the Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 250 015.

Browse information 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

News

News

$53.6 million for research into women’s health, chronic pain and alcohol use

World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 18-24 November 2023

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.
View more news

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

View more facts and figures on drugs in Australia

Resources

Resources

ANACAD Communique – November 2024

Meeting minutes
This document provides an update from the Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ANACAD) after their meeting in November 2024.

ANACAD Communique – September 2024

Meeting minutes
This document provides an update from the Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ANACAD) after their meeting in September 2024

ANACAD communique – June 2024

Meeting minutes
This document provides an update from the Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ANACAD) after their meeting in June 2024.
View more resources