Research shows Australia’s methamphetamine-related deaths have quadrupled in the past 20 years

A new study has found that there has been a four-fold increase in methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia over the past two decades. The findings are published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.

Australia has one of the highest rates of amphetamine addiction in the world, with a 2019 government survey estimating that more than 5% of Australians have used amphetamines at some point in their lives. However, this figure is believed to be much higher.

The study found that the largest increase in deaths occurred between 2009 and 2016, with a record high of 2.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2020.

Although the number of people using amphetamines has decreased over time, regular use among users and injecting drug users has increased significantly.

Methamphetamine is the most commonly used form of amphetamine in Australia.

According to Oisin Stronach, lead author of “20-year trends in Australian methamphetamine-related deaths, 2001–2020”, and a PhD candidate at Burnet, the most common cause of death in Australia is methamphetamine poisoning.

“The sharp increase in methamphetamine poisoning deaths underscores the urgent need for effective medications to treat methamphetamine addiction and for more harm reduction programs,” he said.

“There was a significant increase in deaths from intentional self-harm between 2009 and 2014, highlighting the mental health issues experienced by people who use methamphetamines.”

Previous Australian research into methamphetamine-related deaths has been limited to shorter time periods or a single cause of death.

This study builds on previous research by examining national trends over a 20-year period, from 2001 to 2020, to provide a comprehensive picture of methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia over time and by cause of death.

“Methamphetamine puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels by rapidly increasing heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to heart problems,” Mr. Stronach said.

“Research has shown that a large proportion of people who die from methamphetamine-related causes had a prior history of heart disease.”

The diversity of methamphetamine-related deaths underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates prevention, treatment and harm reduction.

Examples include access to safe injecting facilities, outreach to older people who use methamphetamine, increased mental health care, and pharmacotherapy to treat dependence and withdrawal symptoms.