Has the prevalence of meth/amphetamine use in Australia changed over time?
The proportion of Australians who used meth/amphetamine† in their lifetime and in the past 12 months decreased between 2001 and 2019.
In 2001, 9% of Australians had used meth/amphetamine in their lifetime compared to 9% in 2004, 6% in 2007, 7% in 2010, 7% in 2013, 6% in 2016 and 6% in 2019.
In 2001, 3% of Australians had used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months compared to 3% in 2004, 2% in 2007, 2% in 2010, 2% in 2013, 1% in 2016 and 1% in 2019.
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.