Falling methamphetamine prices are among the factors being linked to record levels of overdose deaths involving amphetamine-type stimulants in Australia.
New data discussed by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre shows more than 750 overdose deaths involving amphetamine-type stimulants, primarily methamphetamine, were recorded in 2024.
The rate was 2.9 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with about two deaths per 100,000 in each year from 2021 to 2023.
UNSW Sydney medical researcher Amy Peacock told AAP that drug use and related harms had continued an upward trajectory seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, with wastewater measures, consumption, methamphetamine-related hospitalisations and deaths among the indicators at their highest observed levels.
Researchers cited increased global supply and strong local demand as factors behind the rise in methamphetamine use. Peacock also said there were indications that methamphetamine prices had declined in Australia, particularly when considered against purity.
Evidence cited in the reporting suggests Australia continues to record one of the highest rates of methamphetamine use in the world.
The data also shows a shift towards crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, while powder methamphetamine, or speed, has become less popular among people interviewed for drug monitoring research.
Most methamphetamine-related deaths involved males aged 35 to 54 and were unintentional, while mortality rates have increased among people aged 25 to 34, 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 since 2005.
Authorities seized more than 16 tonnes of methamphetamine in 2024, according to the reporting.
Peacock said a coordinated response involving prevention, harm reduction, treatment and ongoing monitoring was needed to address the continuing harms.
Source: The Guardian
