Publication Highlights

In Australia, one in three people are born overseas, and one in five households speak languages other than English. This study explores substance use prevalence, related harms, and attitudes among these large groups in the population. Analysis was conducted using cross-sectional data (N= 22,696) from the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

Key findings: 

• Between culturally and linguistically diverse populations andthe population born in Australia, United Kingdom, or NewZealand who speak only English at home, there is no statistically significant variation in the likelihood of current smoking; using analgesics, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills; or administering drugs via injection.
• Culturally diverse populations are less likely to drink alcohol or use cannabis or methamphetamines.
• No difference between these two major groups in the population is observed in substance-related abuse from strangers; but culturally diverse respondents are less likely to report substance-related abuse from known persons.
• Lower substance use prevalence is not observed among people from culturally diverse backgrounds who have mental health issues.
• Australian, UK, or New Zealand born respondents who speak only English at home are more likely to oppose drug and tobacco policies, including a range of harm reduction policies.

The authors discuss the practical and ethical limitations of this major Australian data set for examining the burden of drug-related harms experienced by specific migrant populations. Avenues for potential future research are outlined.