Has the prevalence of meth/amphetamine use in Australia changed over time by gender?
Between 2001 and 2019, the prevalence of lifetime and recent meth/amphetamine† use decreased for both men and women. Australian men have consistently been more likely than women to have used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months and in their lifetime.
In 2001, 11% of Australian males had used meth/amphetamine in their lifetime compared to 11% in 2004, 8% in 2007, 8% in 2010, 9% in 2013, 7% in 2016, and 7% in 2019.
In 2001, 7% of Australian females had used meth/amphetamine in their lifetime compared to 7% in 2004, 5% in 2007, 6% in 2010, 5% in 2013, 5% in 2016, and 5% in 2019.
In 2001, 4% of Australian males had used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months compared to 4% in 2004, 3% in 2007, 3% in 2010, 3% in 2013, 2% in 2016, and 2% in 2019.
In 2001, 3% of Australian females had used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months compared to 3% in 2004, 2% in 2007, 2% in 2010, 2% in 2013, 1% in 2016, and 0.8% in 2019.
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.