Does crystal methamphetamine (ice) use in Australia vary by geographic location?
Among Australians who used meth/amphetamine† in the past 12 months, those living in outer regional/remote/very remote locations are most likely to report that they mainly use crystal methamphetamine (ice).
53% of Australians living in major cities who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form, compared to 47% who used other forms of meth/amphetamine. 51% of Australians living in inner regional locations who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form, compared to 49% who used other forms of meth/amphetamine. 81% of Australians living in outer regional/remote/very remote locations who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form, compared to 19%* who used 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). 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2018).
† 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.