AIHW National Drug Strategy Household Survey

Identifying and definitional attributes

The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) collects information on alcohol and tobacco consumption, and illicit drug use among the general population in Australia. It also surveys people’s attitudes and perceptions relating to tobacco, alcohol and other drug use.

The specific objectives of the survey are to:

• provide estimates of licit and illicit drug use
• provide information on drug use patterns and trends, and on drugs and health
• identify groups with a high risk for drug abuse
• provide data on drug related abuse and potential harm
• measure community awareness and knowledge of licit and illicit drugs
• measure community support for various drug-related policies.

The potential survey population is people aged 12 years or older residing in private dwellings in Australia, at the time of the survey. The person aged 12 years or older who has the most recent birthday is selected as the potential respondent. The design of the survey excludes those who live in non-private dwellings, are homeless or live in institutions or on military bases.