Employment
This section provides information about methamphetamine use and employment. Differences in use patterns between employed and unemployed Australians, as well as those not in the labour force, are also examined.
The primary source of data used in this section is the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020). The NDSHS is a triennial general population survey of Australians' awareness, attitudes and behaviours relating to alcohol and other drug use. It is the best data source available to provide a national population employment profile of Australians’ methamphetamine use.
To be consistent with terminology used in the NDSHS, this section of the NADK uses the term meth/amphetamine. The NDSHS defines meth/amphetamine as including speed, ice, crystal, whizz, Ritalin®, and pseudoephedrine-based cold and flu tablets.
What negative consequences does methamphetamine use have for Australian workplaces?
Methamphetamine use is associated with a range of negative outcomes for the workplace, including accidents, injuries, absenteeism and low productivity.
In 2013/14, the cost to Australian businesses due to methamphetamine-related occupation injury and absenteeism was estimated at $289 million.
Source: Pidd K, Roche A, Kostadinov V, Duraisingam V, Whetton S. Chapter 10B: Workplace costs. In: Tait RJ, Allsop, S. (Eds.)., editor. The Social Costs of Methamphetamine in Australia 2013/14. Perth, WA: National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University; 2016
Is the employment status of Australians related to meth/amphetamine use?
Unemployed Australians are most likely to have used meth/amphetamine† in the past 12 months. Those not in the labour force are least likely to have done so.
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.
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, other.
Unemployed: Those who are not currently working and are actively seeking employment.
Does meth/amphetamine use among employed Australians vary by gender?
Employed Australian men are more likely than employed women to have used meth/amphetamine† in the past 12 months (2% vs 1%, respectively).
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.
Employed: Self-employed or working for salary or wages.
Does meth/amphetamine use among employed Australians vary by age?
Among employed Australians, 25-29 year olds are the age group most likely to have used meth/amphetamine† in the past 12 months.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
† 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.
Employed: Self-employed or working for salary or wages.
Does meth/amphetamine use among unemployed Australians vary by gender?
Unemployed Australian men are more likely than unemployed women to have used meth/amphetamine† in the past 12 months.
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.
Unemployed: Those who are not currently working and are actively seeking employment.
Does meth/amphetamine use among Australians not in the labour force vary by gender?
Among Australians not in the labour force, men are more likely than women to report having used meth/amphetamine† in the past 12 months (1%* vs 0.5%, respectively).
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.
Not in the Labour Force: Engaged in home duties, volunteer/charity work, student, retiree/pensioner, other.