Has the main form of meth/amphetamine used by Australians changed over time?
In 2007, most (51%) Australians who had used meth/amphetamine† in the past 12 months reported that powder was the main form that they used. By contrast, in 2019 the majority (50%) reported mainly using crystal methamphetamine (ice).
In 2007, 27% of Australians who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal/ice as their main form, 51% used powder, 3%* used prescription amphetamines, 5%* used tablets, 12% used base/paste/pure.
In 2010, 22% of Australians who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal/ice as their main form, 51% used powder, 7% used prescription amphetamines, 8% used tablets, 12% used base/paste/pure.
In 2013, 50% of Australians who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal/ice as their main form, 29% used powder, 3%* used prescription amphetamines, 8%* used tablets, 2%* used capsules, 8%* used base/paste/pure.
In 2016, 57% of Australians who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal/ice as their main form, 20% used powder, 11% used prescription amphetamines, 6%* used tablets, 4%* used capsules, and 2%* used base/paste/pure.
In 2019, 50% of Australians who used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months used crystal/ice as their main form, 20% used powder, 14% used prescription amphetamines, 10%* used tablets, 5%* used capsules, and 1%** used base/paste/pure.
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.
** Estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use.
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. Data is not available for capsules in 2007 and 2010.