Patterns of use of psychotropic and other drugs in Adelaide, 1978

The survey, designed to measure the extent of psychotropic drug use in Adelaide, was conducted by the South Australian Royal commission with the assistance of the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Respondents were questioned concerning their use and reasons for use (including recreational) of four categories of drugs: over-the-counter cough suppressants, stimulants, sedatives and analgesics; prescription only sedatives and analgesics; prescription only minor tranquillisers and anti-depressants; and all appetite suppressants. The use of marijuana was measured in a manner which would stress confidentiality in order to encourage truthfulness. Other questions concerned the respondent's knowledge of the effects of marijuana and their suggestion of suitable legal penalties in the cases of the use of and the supply for profit of marijuana and heroin. Background variables included age, sex, age left school, educational qualifications, nature of employment, marital status and gross weekly income.