Quantitative and factual data on drug consumption by Aboriginal people have been lacking. These data are essential for a number of reasons: to provide information upon which to base policies with regard to the drugs in question, to identify at-risk groups, to provide benchmark data against which prevention and intervention programs can be evaluated and to assess qualitative reports of drug use. This survey of drug consumption by Aboriginal people over 15 years of age living in the Northern Territory commenced in April 1986 and was completed in October, 1987. The objectives of the survey were to ascertain the prevalence of alcohol, kava, tobacco and analgesic use, the frequency of drug use and the quantity of drugs used. In addition, information was collected about Aboriginal people's perceptions of the drugs, their beliefs about drug use and the value of the drugs in their culture.