Are younger or older meth/amphetamine users in Australia more likely to use crystal methamphetamine (ice)?

Among Australians who used meth/amphetaminein the past 12 months, older age groups are more likely than younger age groups to have ever used crystal methamphetamine (ice), and to report that ice is the main form of meth/amphetamine that they use.

Among Australians aged 14-17 years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 0% report ever using crystal methamphetamine (ice).
Among Australians aged 18-24 years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 36%* report ever using crystal methamphetamine (ice).
Among Australians aged 25-29 years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 40% report ever using crystal methamphetamine (ice).
Among Australians aged 30-39 years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 81% report ever using crystal methamphetamine (ice).
Among Australians aged 40+ years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 77% report ever using crystal methamphetamine (ice).

Among Australians aged 14-17 years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 0% chose crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form.
Among Australians aged 18-24 years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 17%* chose crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form.

Among Australians aged 25-29 years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 33%* chose crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form.
Among Australians aged 30-39 years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 65% chose crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form.
Among Australians aged 40+ years who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, 66% chose crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form.

* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).

† 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.

* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.