Completed Projects

2001 National Drug Survey

The HRC funded a follow up to the 1998 national drug survey in 2001 to obtain ongoing national statistics of drug use and trends in use and harm. Questions on ecstasy and amphetamine were expanded in 2001 in response to concerns by drug treatment agencies and the police about the increase in the use and availability of these drugs. A national report comparing the 2001 national findings with the 1998 national results was written and published in April 2002.

The National Drug Survey interviewed a sample of approximately 5,500 people aged 15-45 years about their alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drug use, using a Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) system. Telephone numbers were selected using a stratified random digit dialling method so that each household, of a particular stratum, nationwide has an equal chance of being called. To represent the different socio-economic characteristics of the population the country was divided into 33 stratums. A proportionate sample from each stratum was then taken. Within each household one person was randomly selected for an interview. Interviewers received intensive training at the beginning of the survey, and a supervisor was present at each shift to monitor the quality and consistency of interviewing, and to handle any special problems. Each telephone was tried at least ten times in an effort to reach those seldom at home. The 1998 and 2001 surveys achieved response rates of 79% and 80%.

Key findings of the report included:

> Increases in young men and women aged 15-17 years drinking enough to feel drunk at least monthly
> No change in marijuana use between 1998 and 2001
> Increases in the use of amphetamines from 3% in 1998 to 5% in 2001
> Increases in the use of crystal methamphetamine from 0.1% in 1998 to 0.9% in 2001
> Increases in the use of ecstasy from 1% in 1998 to 3% in 2001

Researchers: Chris Wilkins, Krishna Bhatta, Megan Pledger, Sally Casswell