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Illicit drug

Definition

An illicit drug is defined as any drug which is illegal to possess or use or any legal drug used in an illegal manner, for example:
  • a drug obtained on prescription but given or sold to another person to use
  • glue or petrol which is sold legally, but is used in a manner that is not intended, such as inhaling fumes
  • stolen pharmaceuticals sold on the black market (e.g. Pethidine)

Comments

Origin:

AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) 2008. 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: first results. Drug Statistics Series number 20.Cat. no. PHE 98. Canberra: AIHW.

Comments:

The 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey report defines illicit drugs as illegal drugs (such as marijuana/cannabis), prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals (such as analgesics/pain-killers or tranquillisers/sleeping pills) used for illicit purposes, and other substances used inappropriately (such as naturally occurring hallucinogens and inhalants).

References


This content Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Attribution provided as required under the AIHW CC-BY licence.

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