Latest rates of smoking, vaping and use of other nicotine products in Australia
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have released the first series of results from the latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) focussing on tobacco, vaping and other nicotine insights. Data was collected between June-December 2025 from more than 17,500 Australians aged 14 and over.
Results indicate that the daily smoking rate has fallen to 5.6%, down from 8.3% in 2022-2023 and 19.5% in 2001. Daily vaping rates appear to have stabilised at 3.6% in 2025 compared to 3.5% in 2022-2023. The survey asked about emerging nicotine products for the first time, with 1.8% of people aged 14 and over reporting using nicotine pouches in the past year. It was revealed that people are increasingly using multiple forms of nicotine (e.g. cigarettes plus vapes or nicotine pouches).
This release highlighted survey results for young people. While smoking rates continue to decline among young people, the results indicate that other nicotine products are most commonly used by this age group. Daily vaping among 18-24 year olds remained high in 2025 (8.3%), similar to 2022–2023 (9.3%). Use of nicotine pouches in the past year was high among young adults aged 18–24 (8.4%).
These findings have clinical implications for health professionals. It is important to ask patients about use of all nicotine products, including cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches and dual/multiple product use. It is critical that health professionals continue to routinely provide evidence-based smoking cessation support, including behavioural support and pharmacotherapy, if clinically appropriate. Particular attention to young adults is warranted given their high use of vapes and emerging nicotine products.
Health professionals can access Online Training and Clinical Tools & Guidelines on the Quit Centre website to best support their patients with cessation care.