Drugs: A Social History is an exhibition that does not judge or provide any solutions to problems associated with drug use in Australia. It does, however, provide facts about drugs in our society, and challenges visitors to consider the country's policies on lawful and unlawful substances.

Australians rely on all sorts of drugs to get through daily life. While many drugs are prohibited, two of the most lethal drugs available in Australia, tobacco and alcohol, remain legal and widely available.

Did you know: Analgesics are the most commonly used medication by young people aged 16 to 24. They are second to vitamin supplements for five to 15-year-olds, contraceptive pills for 25 to 44-year-olds and blood pressure, heart and fluid tablets combined for 65-year-olds and over Alcohol misuse has an estimated cost of $7.5 billion per year in Australia1 In 2001, one in four males and one in five females aged 14 years or over described themselves as regular smokers2 Drugs: A Social History looks at drugs that feature in the lives of Australians. Some are common, some less so. Some are legal, others illegal. All are drugs. Included in the exhibition are: Analgesics: better known as painkillers, familiar to most Australians for relieving mild pain. Available legally Canabis: the most widely used illegal drug in Australia, cannabis is a hallucinogen and a depressant that one third of our population report they have used at some time. Whilst it is illegal, it does have recognised medical applications Heroin: an opiate; a very addictive, strong painkiller. Heroin was a key ingredient of any 19th century medical chest. Within a few decades, heroin went from being a highly praised commercial medication to being one of the most reviled substances on earth. It is illegal Tobacco: nicotine in tobacco is one of the most addictive and poisonous substances in the world. Following World War II half the population of Australia smoked. Today, disapproval of smoking is at an all-time high. Tobacco is available legally Ecstasy: a hallucinogen with stimulant effects, Ecstasy is commonly associated with the dance scene for giving party-goers the energy to dance all night Alcohol: the most widely used drug in Australia, yet also one of the most problematic. Alcohol has played a major part in Australian society since European settlement. Drugs: A Social History is an exhibition curated by the Historic Houses Trust in NSW. It is showing at the South Australian Museum from 27 May until 24 July 2005. Entry $2. 1Source: Alcohol education and Rehabilitation Fund 2Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Images from the exhibition Drugs: A Social History at South Australian Museum, courtesy Historic Houses Trust of NSW