Do Australians who use crystal methamphetamine experience higher levels of psychological distress, compared to those who use other forms of methamphetamine / amphetamine?
Australians who used crystal methamphetamine (ice) in the past 12 months are similarly likely to report high or very high levels of psychological distress compared to those who used other forms of methamphetamine or amphetamine† (63% vs 54%, respectively).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
† Methamphetamine or amphetamine: The NDSHS asked about the use of methamphetamine and amphetamine (including the street names speed, crystal and ice) in 2022–2023. In 2019 and prior years, the NDSHS asked about the use of “Meth/amphetamines”, which also included the non‑medical use of pharmaceutical amphetamines, such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) and pseudoephedrine based cold and flu tablets. The change represents a break in the timeseries. Results for methamphetamine and amphetamine in 2022–2023 should not be compared to meth/amphetamines results from previous survey waves.
Significance is established as p<0.05.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.