Does crystal methamphetamine (ice) use in Australia vary by employment status?
Unemployed Australians are most likely to have used crystal methamphetamine (ice) in the past 12 months. Those not in the labour force are least likely to have done so.
0.8% of employed Australians used crystal methamphetamine (ice) in the past 12 months compared to 2.4% of unemployed Australians, and 0.4% of Australians who are not in the labour force.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).
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.
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.