Data were collected in 2023 from April-July. Interviews from 2020 onwards were delivered face-to-face as well as via telephone and videoconference, to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission; all interviews prior to 2020 were conducted face-to-face. This methodological change should be factored into all comparisons of data from the 2020-2023 samples relative to previous years.

In 2023, the national EDRS sample (n=708) differed in some ways to the sample in 2022. Whilst median age (25 years) and gender identity (58% male) remained stable, a significant change was observed in sexual identity (p=0.032), with more participants identifying as homosexual in 2023 (8%; 5% in 2022). Employment status also significantly changed (p=0.007), with an increase in participants reporting full-time work (38%; 32% in 2022), as did current median weekly income ($808; $700 in 2022; p=0.014). Three fifths of the sample held tertiary qualifications (62%).

Drug of choice significantly changed (p=0.032), with fewer participants nominating cannabis and alcohol as their drugs of choice in 2023. The drugs used most often in the month preceding interview also significantly changed (p=0.001), with an increase in participants reporting ecstasy as the drug used most often in 2023 (8% to 16%). Weekly or more frequent use of cannabis significantly decreased from 51% in 2022 to 43% in 2022 (p=0.008).