But it's no secret that lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking and taking drugs, are continuing to hamper our ability to do just that.

The National Drug Strategy Household Survey from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare aims to provide some insight into how and why people use drugs.

After all, the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is a major cause of preventable disease and illnesses that continue to strain our health system.

The 2019 snapshot reaffirmed a lot of what we already knew when it comes to Tasmania's use of drugs and alcohol. It also revealed some fresh perspectives around harm minimisation strategies such as pill testing. But most notably, the findings around smoking seem to have reignited an ongoing debate around e-cigarettes.

The survey, which is released every three years, shows that Tasmania's rate of smoking is continuing to decrease. While we are still second behind the Northern Territory for the highest percentage of smokers, overall one could argue we are on the right path.

However, the survey also revealed an increase in the number of people - particularly young people - who are using e-cigarettes. This is especially concerning when you consider the the level of smoking among young people in Tasmania is at a record low.

Some groups, such at the Tasmanian Small Business Council, argue this data reinforces the need to legalise and regulate vaping as a smoking cessation tool. However, health bodies including the Cancer Council and Heart Foundation, say there is still not enough evidence around the impacts and potential harms of vaping.

This debate is not immune to just Tasmania, but considering areas of socioeconomic disadvantage continue to be linked to some of the worst smoking rates, it is an area we should be paying close attention to.

Particularly when it comes to young Tasmanians and how existing policies will ultimately help shape their future health outcomes.