Key findings

• High risk drinkers (HRDs) comprise approximately 10% of IDU. Those who consume alcohol daily represent approximately threequarters of HRDs. These figures have remained relatively stable since 2000.
• HRDs were found to have a higher level of polydrug use than non-HRD. Polydrug use was more likely include use of ecstasy, cocaine,cannabis and hallucinogens.
• Large proportions of HRDs reported the daily use of CNS depressants including cannabis, benzodiazepines and methadone.
• High risk drinkers were more likely to report driving under the influence of alcohol and to test over the limit in random breath testing (RBT) than non-HRD.
• HRD were more likely to report committing fraud and violent crimes in the last month than non-HRD.

Resources

• IDRS Bulletin April09.pdf