Aussie meth use surges, ranks second globally after doubling in a decade
Updated . First published
Australians are consuming record amounts of illicit drugs, with new data revealing the country now ranks among the highest users of methamphetamine in the world.
Fresh wastewater data shows Australia sits second out of 34 countries for per capita meth use, behind the United States.
The analysis reveals that methamphetamine consumption has doubled over the past decade, emerging as the country's dominant illicit stimulant.
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The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission's National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program has published its latest annual report, analysing samples collected from 64 treatment plants between August 2024 and 2025.
The figures highlight a jump in methylamphetamine usage from 8.4 tonnes in 2016 to a record 15.7 tonnes in 2025.
It now accounts for 59 per cent of the total weight of the four major illicit drugs tracked: meth, cocaine, MDMA and heroin.
Methamphetamine usage in Australia has doubled over the past decade. Supplied
Regardless of the high cost, demand has shown little sign of easing. The street value of meth ingested in a single year has climbed to $11.05 billion, making up most of the nation's $14.3 billion illicit drug market.
Use remains higher in regional areas than in capital cities, continuing a long-standing trend. Regional Western Australia recorded the highest levels overall, while Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth ranked among the highest for capital city consumption.
The ACIC attributes the ongoing demand to well-organised supply networks run by serious and organised crime groups, which continue to move large quantities into the country.
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NSW remains the nation's largest market for methamphetamine by total weight. Getty
Across the states and territories, New South Wales remains the nation's largest market for methamphetamine by total weight, while also recording the highest average consumption of cocaine and heroin.
However, the most aggressive growth is often seen elsewhere; Queensland recorded a notable spike in meth usage this year, while regional Western Australia maintained the highest per capita consumption levels in the nation.
Beyond methamphetamine, the data points to a broader uptick across multiple substances, with cocaine, MDMA, and heroin all reaching record levels over the past year.
The ACIC warns this trajectory is unlikely to reverse in the near term, with modelling suggesting consumption of methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA will continue to rise through to 2027.
National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline 1800 250 015
Support for families and friends of individuals experiencing alcohol or drug dependency:
Family Drug Support Australia 24/7 Support Line – 1300 368 186
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