Does crystal methamphetamine (ice) use in Australia vary by employment status?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, unemployed Australians are significantly more likely than employed Australians to report that have used crystal methamphetamine (ice) is the main form of methamphetamine or amphetamine that they used in the past 12 months.
Among employed Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine in the past 12 months, 34% reported that crystal methamphetamine (ice) was the main form that they used.
Among unemployed Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine in the past 12 months, 78% reported that crystal methamphetamine (ice) was the main form that they used.
Among Australians not in the labour force who used methamphetamine or amphetamine in the past 12 months, 55% reported that crystal methamphetamine (ice) was the main form that they used.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Note: significance is established as p<0.05.
Employed: Self-employed or working for salary or wages.
Employment Status: Whether an individual is currently: a) employed; b) unemployed; or c) not in the labour force.
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.
Not in the Labour Force: Engaged in home duties, volunteer/charity work, student, retiree/pensioner.
Unemployed: Those who are not currently working and are actively seeking employment.