Alcohol and illicit drug use in Australia pose a broad range of risks. While these issues affect society as a whole, they can have serious consequences in the workplace — from health and safety concerns to reduced productivity. For employers, staying up to date with current trends is essential for creating a safe and effective work environment.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) regularly releases new data on drug and alcohol use. The information they provide sheds light on how consumption habits are changing and what it means for employers.
Alcohol: Still Australia’s Most Widely Used Drug
Alcohol remains the most consumed drug in the country. According to the AIHW’s latest data, around 79% of Australians aged 14 and over had consumed alcohol in the previous 12 months. While this is similar to past years, the level of risky drinking continues to be a concern.
Risky drinking refers to consuming alcohol at levels that increase the risk of injury or long-term health problems. Alarmingly, 1 in 4 people drank at risky levels on a single occasion at least once a month. Among young adults aged 18–24, 42% reported this type of behaviour — a figure that hasn’t improved in recent years.
Alcohol use tends to be higher in regional and remote areas than in major cities. This trend is important for employers with operations in rural locations, where the risk of alcohol-related issues among workers may be higher.
From a health perspective, alcohol continues to take a significant toll. In 2023, there were more than 1,600 alcohol-induced deaths in Australia. The most common cause was liver disease. The social and economic impact is also substantial, with alcohol-related absenteeism, accidents, and lost productivity costing billions each year.
Illicit Drug Use: Shifts and Surprises
Illicit drug use is also a major concern. Around 3.5 million Australians used an illicit drug in the previous year. This includes cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, hallucinogens, and opioids.
The most widely used illicit drug is cannabis, with about 11.5% of people aged 14 and over reporting recent use. What’s changing, however, is who is using it. In the past, young men were the primary users, but now young women are catching up. In fact, between 2019 and 2022–23, cannabis use among females aged 18–24 rose from 20% to 26%, equalling the rate among males.
Another key trend is the rising use of ketamine, a dissociative drug that’s become more available due to increased supply and illegal manufacture. Wastewater testing confirms that ketamine use has surged in major cities and some regional centres. This is a worrying sign for employers because ketamine can impair judgement, coordination, and reaction times — all crucial for safety on the job.
Use of hallucinogens and painkillers is also on the rise in parts of the country. For example, in the Northern Territory, recent data shows a 2.2% increase in hallucinogen use and a 2.1% increase in the misuse of pain medication, including opioids.
What This Means for Workplaces
The health and safety risks from drug and alcohol use are significant. Impaired employees are more likely to be involved in accidents, especially in high-risk industries like construction, transport, manufacturing, and mining. Substance use can also lead to increased absenteeism, poor performance, and workplace conflict.
It’s clear that employers can’t afford to be passive. Even as some substance use trends appear stable, others are shifting. The rise in cannabis use among women, the growing presence of ketamine, and the continued high rates of risky drinking are all signs that drug and alcohol policies must evolve.
What Employers Can Do
Here are several actions that can help protect your business and your people:
- Review your drug and alcohol policy regularly. Make sure it reflects current trends and includes provisions for emerging drugs like ketamine and prescription misuse.
- Implement random and targeted testing programs to detect issues early. Partnering with experts like Integrity Sampling ensures your program is effective and compliant.
- Educate employees through toolbox talks, awareness sessions, and clear communication about the risks of drug and alcohol use — including “grey area” substances like medicinal cannabis or over-the-counter medications.
- Support early intervention. When employees feel safe to speak up about substance issues, they’re more likely to seek help before things escalate.
- Don’t forget remote and regional sites. Given higher alcohol and drug use in these areas, it’s important not to overlook them in policy and testing programs.
Stay Alert to the Dangers of Drugs and Alcohol
The data from the AIHW paints a clear picture: while some drug and alcohol use patterns remain stable, others are changing fast. New users, new substances, and new risks are emerging — and employers need to keep up.
By staying informed and proactive, you can help create a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace. Integrity Sampling is here to support your business every step of the way — with policy development, testing services, and education programs tailored to your needs.
If you’d like to review your current drug and alcohol policy or learn more about our workplace testing options, contact the Integrity Sampling team today.
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The latest data on alcohol and drug use in Australia shows that risky drinking and drug use remains a major concern, in society as a whole and in workplaces. Credit Elsa Olofsson https://unsplash.com/photos/a-woman-lighting-a-cigarette-on-a-plate-of-food-WcRvfhRrRuA
