Treatment
This section contains information about the provision of medical/psychological treatment for methamphetamine use. It covers episodes of professional treatment for methamphetamine-related problems, who is most likely to seek help, and changes in these patterns over time.
The Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set 2019-20 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2021) is the source of data used in this section. It is the only Australian data source which provides a synthesis of state and territory data on publicly funded cannabis-related treatment.
To be consistent with the terminology used in the National Minimum Data Set, this section of the NADK uses the term amphetamines. The AIHW defines amphetamines as including amphetamine, dexamphetamine, and methamphetamine.
What proportion of alcohol and drug treatment episodes in Australia are amphetamine-related?
In 2022-23, amphetamines† were the principal drug of concern in 24% of all alcohol and other drug treatment episodes in Australia.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services in Australia 2020-21.
† Amphetamines are Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants that increase neurotransmitter activity. Methamphetamine is a more potent form of amphetamine. The National Minimum Data Set does not provide data on methamphetamine use alone. Instead, treatment episodes due to methamphetamine use are subsumed within ‘amphetamines’. This category includes amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methamphetamine, amphetamine analogues, and amphetamines not elsewhere classified.
Principal Drug of Concern: The main substance that leads an individual to seek treatment from an alcohol and drug treatment agency (as stated by the individual).
Treatment Episode: A period of contact between a client and a treatment provider. Only ‘closed’ treatment episodes are included in the data used here. An episode is closed if there is a change in the principal drug of concern, main treatment, or service delivery setting; if the treatment ends; or if the patient is imprisoned or dies.
How has the number and proportion of amphetamine-related treatment episodes in Australia changed over time?
The number and proportion of treatment episodes in Australia for which amphetamines† were the principal drug of concern have increased substantially since 2013-14 with a peak in 2019-20.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services in Australia 2022-23.
† Amphetamines are Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants that increase neurotransmitter activity. Methamphetamine is a more potent form of amphetamine. The National Minimum Data Set does not provide data on methamphetamine use alone. Instead, treatment episodes due to methamphetamine use are subsumed within ‘amphetamines’. This category includes amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methamphetamine, amphetamine analogues, and amphetamines not elsewhere classified.
Principal Drug of Concern: The main substance that leads an individual to seek treatment from an alcohol and drug treatment agency (as stated by the individual).
Treatment Episode: A period of contact between a client and a treatment provider. Only ‘closed’ treatment episodes are included in the data used here. An episode is closed if there is a change in the principal drug of concern, main treatment, or service delivery setting; if the treatment ends; or if the patient is imprisoned or dies.
Are men or women in Australia more likely to receive treatment for amphetamine use?
In 2022-23 Australian men accounted for a larger proportion of treatment episodes for amphetamine† use than women (61% vs 32%). Seven percent of clients did not identify as male or female or did not disclose their sex.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services in Australia 2022-23.
† Amphetamines are Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants that increase neurotransmitter activity. Methamphetamine is a more potent form of amphetamine. The National Minimum Data Set does not provide data on methamphetamine use alone. Instead, treatment episodes due to methamphetamine use are subsumed within ‘amphetamines’. This category includes amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methamphetamine, amphetamine analogues, and amphetamines not elsewhere classified.
Treatment Episode: A period of contact between a client and a treatment provider. Only ‘closed’ treatment episodes are included in the data used here. An episode is closed if there is a change in the principal drug of concern, main treatment, or service delivery setting; if the treatment ends; or if the patient is imprisoned or dies.
Are younger or older Australians more likely to receive treatment for amphetamine use?
Australians aged 30-39 years are more likely to receive treatment for amphetamine† use than other age groups, accounting for 39% of amphetamine-related treatment episodes in 2022-23.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services in Australia 2022-23.
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding.
† Amphetamines are Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants that increase neurotransmitter activity. Methamphetamine is a more potent form of amphetamine. The National Minimum Data Set does not provide data on methamphetamine use alone. Instead, treatment episodes due to methamphetamine use are subsumed within ‘amphetamines’. This category includes amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methamphetamine, amphetamine analogues, and amphetamines not elsewhere classified.
Treatment Episode: A period of contact between a client and a treatment provider. Only ‘closed’ treatment episodes are included in the data used here. An episode is closed if there is a change in the principal drug of concern, main treatment, or service delivery setting; if the treatment ends; or if the patient is imprisoned or dies.