Prevalence

In 2018-19, amphetamines were the fourth most commonly used illicit drug among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [1]. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men were around three times more likely to use amphetamines than women. In 2022-2023, cocaine was the second most common illicit drug used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [2].

In 2023, methamphetamine was the most commonly injected drug reported by attendees of Needle Syringe Programs (NSPs) in Australia [3]. Of the people attending NSPs in 2023, 22% identified as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

In 2022-23, amphetamines were the second most common drug (after alcohol) that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people sought help for, from alcohol and drug treatment services [4].

In 2017-19, one quarter of drug-related hospitalisations among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were due to methamphetamine use [5].