National Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Strategy Background Paper: Monograph Series No. 69
2.5 Summary
According to the latest UNODC World Drug Report, Australia has one of the highest rates of methamphetamine and amphetamine use in the world, while ATS production remains greater in other regions. As an indication of use in the general population, the 2004 NDSHS found that 3.2% of the population aged 14 years and over had used methamphetamine and 3.4% had used MDMA in the last 12 months. For both drug types, use was more prevalent among males than females, and most common in the 20 to 29 years age group. While methamphetamine use appears to have stabilised (reported by 3.2% in 2001), use of MDMA significantly increased (2.9% in 2001). Concern was raised during consultations about a perceived ‘normalisation’ of MDMA use, and the view of it as a relatively harmless and enjoyable drug.
Use of illicit drugs is more prevalent among some population groups, as indicated by Australia’s drug monitoring systems. Surveys with offenders (e.g., DUMA) and illicit drug users (e.g., IDRS and EDRS) indicate that use of ATS is common in these samples. Recent survey data suggest that lifetime use of methamphetamine is high among injecting drug users (96%), regular ecstasy users (84%) and detainees (64%). While clearly prevalent among regular ecstasy users, lifetime use of ecstasy is also common among injecting drug users (68%) and detainees (46%). The form of methamphetamine used by injecting drug users varied according to jurisdiction with ‘crystal’ most common in Canberra, Perth and Sydney, powder most common in Brisbane, Darwin and Melbourne, and base most common in Adelaide and Hobart.
Particular population groups are more vulnerable to the use of illicit drugs, including ATS, with identified at-risk groups including young people, some Indigenous communities, the gay and lesbian community and particular workplaces. The 2004 NDSHS reported around 9% of 18 to19 year olds had used methamphetamine and ecstasy, while the ASSAD school survey reported for 17 year olds, 7% had used amphetamine and 4% had used ecstasy. Research suggests that ATS-related presentations at youth treatment services are increasing. According to the 2004 NDSHS, Indigenous people were almost twice as likely to be recent users of illicit drugs as other Australians (26.9% versus 15.0%). The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey 2004-05 noted that 7% of the sample had used meth/ amphetamine. While cannabis and alcohol remain the primary drugs of concern among Indigenous populations, there is some indication of an increase in ATS use both in urban and remote areas. Surveys with the gay community have reported that among homosexual males, up to 20% report use of crystal methamphetamine and 45% use of ecstasy. Data using the 2004 NDSHS found use of both amphetamine and ecstasy in the workforce, with particular prevalence in some industries. Use of both drugs was highest in the hospitality industry, while use of amphetamine was also more common in transport and construction, and ecstasy use in finance and retail. Given the effects of ATS use and related harms, these groups were noted as specific targets for prevention and harm reduction strategies.
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