Methamphetamine

The Methamphetamine section of the NADK provides general information about methamphetamine, as well as Australians’ methamphetamine-related attitudes and behaviours, and the consequences of use.

Information is presented in a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which have been divided into sub-categories. The type of information contained within each subcategory is summarised below.

A Note on Terminology:

Please note that the terms used to refer to ‘methamphetamine’ are not consistent throughout this section of the NADK. The terminology differs because many data sources do not collect information on methamphetamine alone, but instead include it within broader categories (e.g. ‘stimulants’) in addition to other drugs. Therefore, each FAQ uses the same term as the original source from which the answer was drawn. Definitions of the terms used are provided in the footnotes.

• General Information

  This section provides general information about methamphetamine use in Australia. It explains what methamphetamine is, how it is used, and the effects of use.

• Attitudes

  This section provides an overview of Australians’ attitudes regarding methamphetamine use and methamphetamine-related legislation.

• Use

  This section provides information about the ways in which Australians use methamphetamine. It addresses how much and how often Australians use methamphetamine, the most common types used, and methods and locations of use.

• Employment

  This section provides information about methamphetamine use and employment. Differences in use patterns between employed and unemployed Australians, as well as those not in the labour force, are also examined.

• Health

  This section provides information about the harms associated with methamphetamine use, and the impact of methamphetamine use on mental and physical health.

• Crime

  This section provides information about methamphetamine-related crime (including arrests and trafficking), as well as Australian legislation regarding methamphetamine use.

• Treatment

  This section contains information about the provision of medical/psychological treatment for methamphetamine use. It covers episodes of professional treatment for methamphetamine-related problems, who is most likely to seek help, and changes in these patterns over time.

• Young People

  This section contains information about the methamphetamine use patterns of Australians who are under 18 years of age.

• Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice)

  This section provides information about the crystalline form of methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice’. It provides general information about ice, the demographic profile of ice users, and patterns and methods of use.