National Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Strategy Background Paper: Monograph Series No. 69
2.1 Prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulant use in the general population of Australia
Table of contents
Meth/amphetamine
According to the 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), meth/ amphetamine is the second most frequently used illicit drug in Australia after cannabis. Nine percent of Australians aged 14 years and older, about 1.5 million persons, have used meth/ amphetamine for non-medical purposes at least once in their lifetime (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2005a). The 2004 NDSHS estimated there were 532,100 persons (3.2%) who had used meth/amphetamine in the last 12 months and 97,000 persons (0.6%) had used the drug in the past week. The NDSHS consistently shows that self-reported rates of methamphetamine use in the past year are higher than rates of heroin use (see Figure 2.1).Figure 2.1: Percent of general population who have used methamphetamine and heroin in the past 12 months
Source: 1993-2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey
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Of those who had used methamphetamine in the past 12 months, 11% used at least once a week (n=58,500), 45% monthly or every few months (n=239,400) and 43% used once or twice (n=228,800). Just over half reported using the drug in powder form (51%), while 23% reported using powder and crystal, 11% crystal only and 11% other forms. Adjusting for potential underreporting, the total number of users is estimated to be closer to 102,600 of whom around 72,700 are dependent users (McKetin et al., 2005).
The NDSHS show that patterns of use have generally increased since the early 1990s, with levels of recent use increasing by 60% over the 1993–2004 period (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2005a). However, the two most recent surveys suggest rates are stabilising - 4.2% of males in 2001 compared to 4.0% in 2004 reported use of methamphetamine in the past 12 months and 2.7% of females in 2001 compared to 2.5% in 2004.
Significant differences exist between age cohorts, with the highest use of methamphetamine in the 20 to 29 year age cohort (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2005a). About one in every five young adults in the 20 to 29 age cohort has tried this drug at least once and the average age of first use is 20.8 years. Many participants in the consultations noted the decreasing age of first time ATS use while some, like the consumer groups, also noted the increased use among older people particularly in the gay community.
The consultations and submissions also acknowledged the increasing trends in amphetamine use up to 2004, but did not perceive a current ‘epidemic’ of methamphetamine use, as portrayed in the media. Demographic and geographic variations in the patterns of use across the country were noted and these may not be reflected in NDSHS statistics. For example, police in one regional area did not view ATS as a major issue suggesting it was used primarily by a relatively small group of ‘thrill seekers’ and alcohol was contributing to higher levels of problems in the community.
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MDMA (Ecstasy)
According to the 2004 NDSHS, there was no statistically significant increase in amphetamine use amongst the general population, while use of MDMA has steadily increased. Lifetime use increased from 1% in 1988 to 7.5% in 2004 and use in the past 12 months increased from 1% to 3.4% over the same time period (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2005a). Smaller proportions had used ecstasy in the last month (1.3%) and in the last week (0.5%). As with methamphetamine, the 20–29 year age group had the highest proportion of persons ever using MDMA (22%). Males were more likely to use ecstasy than females, both in their lifetime (9.1% versus 6.05) and in the last 12 months (4.4% versus 2.4%).Increased prevalence of ecstasy use was noted at consultations and there was general concern that its use had become perceived as a ‘harmless recreational/party drug’ to be taken occasionally. Participants commented that its effects are seen as less acute than those of other ATS and indeed, there is a lack of awareness that it is related to other ATS. One participant stated that it was a preferred drug due to its image as ‘softer’ and ‘less potent’. At some consultations it was suggested that ecstasy use is more prevalent than crystal methamphetamine in affluent sectors and among university students, partly due to a perception of acceptability of use, ‘elitism’, its image as a social drug, and a lack of awareness of adverse consequences.
Figure 2.2: Prevalence of ecstasy use in Australia, 1988-2004
Source: National Drug Strategy Household Survey 1988-2004
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