Do Australians think meth/amphetamine is the drug that causes most deaths in Australia?
When Australians were asked which drug they think directly or indirectly causes the most deaths in Australia, 20% chose meth/amphetamine†. The largest proportion of people (34%) thought that alcohol caused the most deaths.
When Australians were asked which drug they think directly or indirectly causes the most deaths in Australia, 34% chose alcohol, 20% meth/amphetamine, 19% tobacco, 12% heroin, 6% pain killers/pain-relievers and opioids, 4% cocaine, 3% ecstasy, 0.9% cannabis, and 2% another drug.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
† Meth/amphetamine: This term covers a range of stimulant drugs including methamphetamine and amphetamine. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) described meth/amphetamine as including drugs commonly known as speed, ice, crystal, whizz, Ritalin, or pseudoephedrine-based cold and flu tablets.
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding.