Use
This section provides information about the ways in which Australians use methamphetamine. It addresses how much and how often Australians use methamphetamine, the most common types used, and methods and locations of use.
The primary source of data used in this section is the 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). 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 demographic profile of Australians’ methamphetamine use behaviours.
To be consistent with terminology used in the 2022-23 NDSHS, this section of the NADK uses the term methamphetamine or amphetamine (including the street names speed, crystal and ice). 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.
What proportion of Australians have used methamphetamine/amphetamine?
Eight percent of Australians have used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in their lifetime, 1% have used in the past 12 months, 0.4% have used in the past month, and 0.3% have used in the past week.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
† 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.
Are men or women in Australia more likely to have used methamphetamine / amphetamine?
Australian men are significantly more likely than women to have used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in their lifetime.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
Please note: Significance is established as p<0.05. Australians who identify as non-binary or a different gender identity were not able to be included in the current analyses due to small numbers.
† 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.
Are younger or older Australians more likely to have used methamphetamine/amphetamine?
Australians aged 40-49 years are more likely than other age groups to have used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in their lifetime.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Significance is established at p<0.05.
† 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.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
Is the employment status of Australians related to methamphetamine / amphetamine use?
Unemployed Australians are significantly more likely to have used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months. Those not in the labour force are significantly less likely to have done so.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Significance is established as p<0.05.
† 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.
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.
What is the average age at which Australians start to use methamphetamine / amphetamine?
Among Australians (aged 14 years and older) who have ever used methamphetamine or amphetamine†, the average age at which they first tried it was 22 years.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
† 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.
What is the main form of methamphetamine / amphetamine used by Australians?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, around half (44%) 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.
† 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.
Please note: Responses do not sum to 100% as only the most common forms used are shown.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
Do men and women in Australia use different forms of methamphetamine / amphetamine?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, the most commonly used form for both men and women was crystal methamphetamine (ice), followed by speed/powder. Men were more significantly more likely than women to use capsules.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: Percentages do not tally to 100% as only the most common forms of use are shown. Significance is established as p<0.05.
† 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.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
Do younger and older Australians use different forms of methamphetamine / amphetamine?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, those aged 25 years and above typically used crystal methamphetamine (ice) as their main form. Younger people were significantly more likely to use tablets/pills, capsules and speed/powder, while older people were significantly more likely to use crystal/ice forms of methamphetamine.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. Significance is established at p<0.05.
† 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.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
** Estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use.
How do Australians use methamphetamine / amphetamine?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, the largest proportion (33%) reported that swallowing was their main method of use, followed by smoking (28%).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
† 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.
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% as only the most common methods of use are shown.
Do men and women in Australia use methamphetamine / amphetamine differently?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, both men and women were most likely to report that they swallowed it.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% because only the most common methods of use are shown. Significance is established as p<0.05. Australians who identify as non-binary or a different gender identity were not able to be included in the current analyses due to small numbers.
† 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.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
Does methamphetamine / amphetamine use in Australia vary by geographic location?
Use of methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months in Australia is similar across major cities (1.1%) and regional/remote locations (0.9%).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Significance is established as p<0.05.
† 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.
Does methamphetamine / amphetamine use in Australia vary by jurisdiction?
Australians living in Victoria or Tasmania are significantly more likely to have used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months compared to those living in Queensland. Other jurisdictions were similarly likely to have used methamphetamine or amphetamine.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Significance is established as p<0.05.
† 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.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
Where do Australians obtain methamphetamine / amphetamine?
The largest proportion of Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months usually obtained it from a friend (46%), while around a third (36%) usually obtained it from a dealer.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
† 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.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
How often do Australians use methamphetamine / amphetamine?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, the largest proportion (44%) used it once or twice per year. One in five reported using methamphetamine or amphetamine once per week or more (23%).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
† 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.
Do men or women in Australia use methamphetamine / amphetamine more often?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, both men and women were most likely to use once or twice a year. Men were relatively more likely than women to use about once a month.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: Significance is established as p<0.05. Australians who identify as non-binary or a different gender identity were not able to be included in the current analyses due to small numbers.
† 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.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
Do levels of methamphetamine in wastewater in Australia vary by geographic location?
The amount of methylamphetamine found in Australian wastewater varies substantially between Australian jurisdictions†.
In general, consumption levels were higher in regional areas compared to capital cities. Regional Western Australian had the highest consumption nationally in April 2024.
Estimated methylamphetamine consumption for April 2024 in mass consumed per day (left axis) and doses per day (right axis) per thousand people^
Estimated average consumption of methylamphetamine by state/territory, August 2021 to June 2024.
^ The number of collection days varied from 5-7 days
Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (2023). National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program: Report 23. Canberra: ACIC.
Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (2024). National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program: Report 23. Canberra: ACIC.
† This FAQ uses data from the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program. Methylamphetamine excretion was measured. Methylamphetamine is also commonly known as methamphetamine. No attempt was made to differentiate amphetamine use from the proportion of methylamphetamine excreted as amphetamine.