National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Social Issues Survey, 1988

Since 1985, as part of the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse, substantial survey research has been undertaken to assess the extent of drug problems, the effectiveness of interventions, and the impact of aspects of the campaign. A baseline survey exploring these issues was conducted in 1985 (see Social Issues in Australia, 1985, SSDA Study No. 405). This survey, a follow-up, was conducted in 1988 to repeat the measures obtained in 1985, and to ask additional questions to assess the awareness of and reactions to aspects of the drug campaign. The questionnaire covered areas such as: literacy and fluency in English; social issues and problems for the community and for people of the respondent's own age; perceptions of 'drug problems'; personal use of and attitudes to drugs, drug use and drug users; information about drug use and services for users; evaluation of government policy and action on drug problems; participation in activities to increase knowledge about or more responsible use of drugs; awareness of the 'Drug Offensive' in general and specific components of the campaign; and an interviewer assessment of the respondent's openness and comfort in answering questions about drug use. Questions about drug use were placed in a separate section in a sealed envelope, and replies to each question had a pre-coded random number which the respondent could call out. By this means, respondents could answer without the interviewer knowing either the question or the answer. Background information included: sex, occupation, job and study status, education level completed, marital status, age of respondent and ages of others in the household.