Australians smoke less tobacco and drink less alcohol than the British - but we take more illicit drugs.
That’s according to a new, world-first report led by researchers from the University of Adelaide that compiles data from around 200 countries on addictive behaviours.
The Global Statistics on Addictive Behaviours: 2014 Status Report summarises the prevalence of addictions to substances such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, cocaine and other kinds of drugs.
The paper's lead author, Associate Professor Linda Gowing from the University of Adelaide’s School of Medical Sciences, said the main finding of the report was that alcohol and tobacco are still by far the most common addictions around the world.
She said overall Australia is doing reasonably well in terms of all drug use on a global scale.
“We’re doing quite well in terms of the population who smoke tobacco. Data on that was not available from the US and we are slightly lower than the UK and the global average.”
Global comparisons of addictions, last 12 months
Percentage of national populations that consume different substances
Data: University of Adelaide
And while 84 per cent of us have had a drink over the last 12 months, few of us have alcoholic disorders - that is those who are likely to have a diagnosable condition defined as alcohol abuse or dependence, Professor Gowing said.
“In terms of the proportion of the population who drink alcohol, we are similar to the UK. The US has a slightly lower prevalence of alcohol consumption then Australia.
“But in terms of looking at the proportion of the population who actually have alcohol use disorders – we actually have a lower level then the US and UK,” said Professor Gowing.
The percentage of Australians who have "alcoholic use disorders" is 3.7 per cent compared with 7.8 per cent in the US and 12.1 per cent in the UK.
But the data suggests binge drinking is a problem in Australia, she said.
“The proportion who drink large amounts is lower than the US and the UK but still a level you would consider to be of concern. It’s about on par with global level.”
The report reveals illicit drugs are having a significant impact in Australia, with 10.3 per cent smoking cannabis at least once over the past 12 months, compared with 5-7 per cent in the UK.
Some 2.1 per cent of Australians use amphetamine-type drugs, like speed compared with 0.7 to 1.2 per cent in the UK.
Professor Gowing said the comparison of addiction in different countries is relevant to making decisions about public health and where to address efforts.
“The message I want to get across is that this sort of data is important for us to be able to assess what’s going on globally and continue to monitor and evaluate how Australia is going.
“If in Australia, for example, we want to know ... what impact [plain packaging] is having on smoking rates, then we want to compare smoking in Australia with similar countries.”
She said while the data is encouraging in terms of where Australia stands in comparison to countries like the US and the UK, the key is to maintain awareness.
“This report should point to the need for Australia to continue to pay attention to alcohol and tobacco as well as illicit drug use.”
