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.
Among Australian men who used methamphetamine or amphetamine in the past 12 months, 30% smoked it as their main method of use; 36% swallowed it; 21% snorted it; and 13% injected it.
Among Australian women who used methamphetamine or amphetamine in the past 12 months, 27% smoked it as their main method of use; 33% swallowed it; 30% snorted it; and 10%* injected 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.