Changes in drug use in Australia and the United States: results from the 1995 and 1998 National Household Surveys

Comparison of the results of the 1995 and 1998 Australian National Drug Strategy Household Surveys showed a significant increase in use of 'any illicit drug'. Lifetime use increased 17% and past-year use increased 29%, while results of the 1995 and 1998 United States National Household Surveys on Drug Abuse showed no significant increase. The conversion or continuation rate in Australia has been rising since 1993; in 1998, 48% of all people who have ever tried illicit drugs continued to use them. In comparison, the conversion rate in the United States has held steady in these years at an average of 30%. The Australian survey showed use increasing among all age groups, with teenaged girls catching up to boys in use of alcohol and 'any illicit drug'. US teenage girls are also using alcohol at the same rate as boys. Both surveys found increases in inhaling and smoking of heroin by younger people and aging cohorts of drug users. The US survey found conflicting changes over time in perceptions of risk and availability and the Australian survey also presented a mixed message about problematic drugs and the acceptability of their regular use.