Do Australian crystal methamphetamine users experience higher levels of psychological distress, compared to those who use other forms of meth/amphetamine?
Australians who used crystal methamphetamine (ice) in the past 12 months are more likely to report high levels of psychological distress and less likely to report very high levels of psychological distress compared to those who used other forms of meth/amphetamine†.
23% of Australians who use crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form of meth/amphetamine report high levels of psychological distress, compared to 14%* of Australians who use other forms of meth/amphetamine.
15% of Australians who use crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form of meth/amphetamine report very high levels of psychological distress, compared to 21% of Australians who use other forms of meth/amphetamine.
* 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.