How do Australians use methamphetamine / amphetamine?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, the largest proportion (33%) reported that swallowing was their main method of use, followed by smoking (28%).
28% of Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine in the past 12 months smoked it as their main method of use, 33% swallowed it, 25% snorted it, and 13% injected it.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
† 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.
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% as only the most common methods of use are shown.