1 in 20 Australian deaths caused by alcohol and illicit drugs

Alcohol and illicit drug use are serious and complex issues that contribute to substantial illness, disease, injury, and deaths in Australia. This new report from AIHW provides insight into the health impact of alcohol and illicit drug use in Australia;

• Nearly 5% of all deaths are from alcohol and illicit drug use.    
• One-third of road traffic injuries due to alcohol use
• Opioids are the largest contributor to the illicit drug use burden.

Impact of alcohol and illicit drug use on the burden of disease and injury in Australia: Australian Burden of Disease Study 2011, AIHW. 29 March 2018. Cat. no: BOD 19