The first ever comprehensive report on global addictions has revealed Australians smoke less tobacco and drink less alcohol than the British, and we take more illicit drugs too.

The Global Statistics on Addictive Behaviours: 2014 Status Report marks the first time that global data on the prevalence of alcohol and other drug use, and gambling, has been presented in a single compilation.

The paper’s lead author, Associate Professor Linda Gowing from the University of Adelaide, says alcohol and tobacco use are by far the most prevalent addictive behaviours worldwide and cause the most harm.

“Approximately 84 per cent of Australians drink alcohol at least once in a 12-month period, compared to 83.9 per cent in the United Kingdom and 68.9 per cent in the United States,” she said.

But this does not match with official addiction statistics.

“3.7 per cent of Australians are considered to have an alcohol use disorder, compared to 12.1 per cent in the UK and 7.8 per cent in the US,” Dr Gowing said.

“Australians are also slightly lighter smokers compared to the British, but smoking is still relatively common – 20 per cent of Australians smoke tobacco at least once in a 12-month period, in comparison to 22 per cent of the British.

“The report found alcohol and tobacco are the most common addictions in most countries and they are also the most harmful.

"Eleven per cent of deaths in males and 6 per cent of deaths in females are linked to tobacco each year globally. Alcoholism is associated with a range of health issues and takes years off someone’s life,” Dr Gowing said.

Associate Professor Gowing says the data revealed the impact of illicit drugs is significant in Australia.

“10.3% of Australians smoke cannabis at least once in a 12-month period, compared to 5-7% in the UK ; 3% use ecstasy, compared to 1.1-1.7% of people in the UK; and 2.1% of Australians use amphetamine-type drugs at least once in a 12-month period, compared to 0.7-1.2% in the UK,” she said.

Dr Gowing says it is important that this data is used to further reduce the impact of alcohol abuse and tobacco use.

“This data is highly valuable and can be used to guide policy-makers and researchers in planning responses to addictions world-wide,” Dr Gowing said.

“It’s encouraging that less Australians use tobacco and abuse alcohol than other developed countries like the US and the UK; however it’s important that we continue to work towards reducing the impact of alcohol and tobacco on the Australian community.”