Do men or women in Australia use meth/amphetamine more often?

Among Australians who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months, women typically used less frequently (every few months, or once or twice per year), while men were more likely to use frequently (monthly or more often).

18% of Australian men and 14%* of Australian women who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used once per week or more.
19% of Australian men and 12%* of Australian women who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used about once per month.
19% of Australian men and 23% of Australian women who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used every few months.
44% of Australian men and 52% of Australian women who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used once or twice per year.


* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

† 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.