How often do Australians use methamphetamine / amphetamine?
Among Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine† in the past 12 months, the largest proportion (44%) used it once or twice per year. One in five reported using methamphetamine or amphetamine once per week or more (23%).
23% of Australians who used methamphetamine or amphetamine in the past 12 months used once per week or more, 15% used about once per month, 18% used every few months, and 44% used once or twice per year.
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.