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, 19% chose meth/amphetamine†. Most people thought that alcohol (35%) or tobacco (24%) cause most deaths.
In 2016, when Australians were asked which drug they think directly or indirectly causes the most deaths in Australia, 35% chose alcohol, 24% tobacco, 19% meth/amphetamine, 11% heroin, 4% ecstasy, 3% cocaine, 2% pain killers/analgesics/opioids, 1% cannabis, and 2% another drug.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey Report.
† 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.