The National Drugs Campaign (NDC) is part of the National Drug Strategy 2004-2009 and specifically aims to reduce young Australians’ motivation to use illicit drugs by increasing their knowledge about the potential negative consequences of drug use. This phase of the Campaign is designed to contribute to a reduction in the uptake of ecstasy, marijuana, methamphetamine (ice or speed) and other illicit drugs among young Australians, by raising awareness of the harms associated with drug use and encouraging and supporting decisions not to use.

The Campaign also encourages young people using illicit drugs to re-consider their use and direct them to relevant support, counselling and treatment services. The Campaign will also build upon the impact of earlier National Drugs Campaign prevention activities to reinforce negative perceptions of illicit drugs utilising advertising, public relations, online activities and information resources. The National Drug Strategy 2004-2009 is the overarching policy framework across Australia for addressing licit and illicit drug issues. The National Drugs Campaign is designed to support education around illicit drug issues, and licit drug issues have been addressed through separate initiatives. Information on these licit drug initiatives, focusing on Alcohol and Tobacco, can be found through the following links:

• National Alcohol Campaign
• National Tobacco Campaign