Circulatory system disease is the major cause of tobacco-related deaths for both males and females. Tobacco smoking is more widespread among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than in the general community. Males tend to be heavier smokers than females, both nationally and in Queensland. In Queensland each year an estimated 3700 people die because of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use. Of all drugs, tobacco is the biggest killer, and is also responsible for the largest proportion of drug caused hospitalisation.
Alcohol kills more young people than any other drug.
Darling Downs, followed by Wide Bay region had the lowest percentage of smokers. Marihuana is the most common drug to be tried, followed by amphetamines and hallucinogens. Deaths related to illicit drug use are relatively rare in the Darling Downs region. Deaths occur mainly in the under 30 age range, representing a higher cost to the community in terms of years of life lost. Anecdotal evidence from police and health personnel suggests the problems associated with illicit drug use in the Darling Downs Health region are not insignificant.