Do Australians consider meth/amphetamine use to be a problem?
When Australians were asked which drug they first think of when people talk about “a drug problem”, approximately half (49%) chose meth/amphetamine†.
When Australians were asked which drug they first think of when people talk about “a drug problem”, 49% chose meth/amphetamine, 12% cannabis, 12% heroin, 10% cocaine, 6% alcohol, 2% ecstasy, 2% tobacco, 2% pain killers/pain-relievers and opioids, 0.5% other drugs, and 3% none/can’t think of any.
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.