The Drug Trends program is an internationally renowned monitoring system that the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) has coordinated since 1996. The program is key to identifying emerging problems in substance use in Australia and providing impetus for policy responses and intervention.  

In this series of infographics, we share the history, milestones and impact of Drug Trends since monitoring began three decades ago alongside key trends in Australian substance use and significant policy initiatives. We outline current and emerging challenges, and the important role Drug Trends continues to play in its 30th year. 

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Visit the NDARC website to learn more about Drug Trends and access all outputs and research findings. 

Throughout 2026, we will be sharing more insights into Drug Trends, including case studies demonstrating the program’s impact, a decade-by-decade look at substance use in Australia, and current developments and future directions for the program. 

Funding and copyright

Drug Trends is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Drug and Alcohol Program.

© NDARC, UNSW SYDNEY 2026 

This work is copyright. All rights are reserved. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the information manager, NDARC, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia via drugtrends@unsw.edu.au.

Timeline: 30 years of Drug Trends

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• Drug Trends timeline: Substance use in Australia (1996-2026)

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