Meth Use Is at a Record High, But We Don't Need to Panic
Topic:Drugs
Methamphetamine use is at a 10-year high in Australia.
In short:
Methamphetamine use is at a record high, and cocaine use is rising.
The data is alarming, but it can't distinguish between quantity and frequency.
The wastewater data shows how strong the drug markets are.
Methamphetamine use is at a record high.
Cocaine is up. MDMA may be levelling off. Heroin is changing.
If you need help:
These findings seem alarming.
We should look closer at what the data means.
What does wastewater data measure?
Wastewater testing looks at sewage for drug traces.
It measures drugs that have been used.
This method avoids issues with self-report surveys.
It gives real-time data.
Wastewater testing looks at sewage.
But it can only measure the amount of drugs used.
It can't differentiate quantity from frequency.
It can't identify changes due to purity.
Methamphetamine use is at a 10-year high.
Do these findings match other data?
Different data tracks different parts of the drug system.
Population survey data shows a decrease in methamphetamine use.
Other data shows more people need treatment.
There's a shift toward more potent forms of the drug.
This pattern fits with the wastewater increases.
Australians have consumed record amounts of meth, cocaine, and heroin.
The same caution applies to cocaine.
It's likely that both new and existing users are contributing to the rise.
Could prescriptions be affecting the data?
There's been an increase in stimulant prescriptions.
Wastewater can't distinguish between illicit and prescribed amphetamines.
The increase in methamphetamine is unlikely to be explained by prescriptions alone.
MDMA use may be levelling off.
MDMA use follows social patterns.
It rises with nightlife and falls when it changes.
We saw a big drop during the pandemic.
There were early signs of an increase again.
The plateau may reflect a stabilising market.
Heroin is different.
A discarded heroin syringe lies in the street.
Heroin shows a more even pattern.
Less than 1% of the population uses heroin.
Fluctuations in heroin use occur with changes in supply or treatment.
What about high rates in regional areas?
The wastewater report notes higher per capita use in regional areas.
Population survey data shows a lower percentage of people using illicit drugs in regional areas.
Wastewater data can make regional drug use look higher.
Regional communities have fewer treatment services and more economic stress.
Wastewater data can't tell who are visitors and who are residents.
Wastewater data needs to be read alongside other data.
A resilient and adaptive market
The wastewater data shows how strong the drug markets are.
Despite law enforcement, markets continue to adapt.
With high prices and demand, Australia remains an attractive market.
When one route is disrupted, another often emerges.
Policy responses should prioritise reducing harm.
Patterns of use are becoming more concentrated.
A smaller group of people are experiencing more severe problems.
These people need earlier and more targeted treatment.
It's not just about how much of the drug is being used.
Nicole Lee is an adjunct professor.
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