Prevalence

Recent national health surveys such as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey found that amphetamines are reported as the fourth most commonly used illicit drug [39231].  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men are around three times more likely to use amphetamines than women.

In 2020-21, 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 [43453]. Hospitalisation for mental disorders from amphetamine use has increased in recent years with evidence that regional areas are affected more than metropolitan areas and Aboriginal people are experiencing a disproportionate burden of harm from amphetamines [32347][34492].