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.
44% of Australian men who used methamphetamine or amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal/ice as their main form, 27% used speed/powder, 13% used tablets, and 17% used capsules.
41% of Australian women who used methamphetamine or amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal/ice as their main form, 37% used speed/powder, 14%* used tablets, and 5%* used 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.
† 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.