This report provides a comprehensive summary of major drug use statistical collections, with references to sources of more detailed information. Data are presented on patterns of drug use (including trends and characteristics of substance users), international comparisons, drugs and health, special population groups, crime and law enforcement, polydrug use and drug avoidance and moderation.

New to this edition is material presented on ecstasy and related drugs, patterns of substance use and psychological wellbeing, closed treatment episodes in alcohol and other drug treatment services, and females incarcerated in Australian prisons.