Are Australia and New Zealand Facing the Same Drug Challenges at Work?

What the Data Shows

In New Zealand, the latest report (Q1 2025) covers around 76% of the population and highlights:

• • Methamphetamine use remains high across all districts, with levels above the average of the previous year. The estimated weekly social harm cost is NZ $34.6 million.
  • MDMA (Ecstasy) use is stable at around 6.9 kg per week, with a weekly social harm cost of NZ $1.4 million.
  • Cocaine use is increasing, averaging 4.5 kg per week, with all districts reporting above-average levels. The weekly social harm cost is estimated at NZ $1.7 million.

In Australia, Report 24 covers 57% of the population and found:

• • 22.2 tonnes of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA were consumed between August 2023 and August 2024 representing a 34% increase from the previous year.
  • Methamphetamine use rose by 21%, accounting for $8.9 billion of the total $11.5 billion street value of the four major drugs.
  • Cocaine use surged by 69%, reaching record levels.
  • MDMA and heroin use also increased significantly.

What This Means for Workplaces

While these reports focus on national trends, they highlight important potential safety risks for workplaces – more so in safety-critical industries.

Methamphetamine Remains a Major Concern in Both Countries

Crystal Meth use carries tremendous health risks, including the potential for significant drug toxicity and overdose.

Methamphetamine use can trigger an intense high and a range of serious side effects including¹  increased blood pressure, elevated respiratory rate, high body temperature, insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, aggression and violence, cardiovascular issues such as stroke and heart attack, tremors, convulsions, and even death.

The rise in cocaine use, can reflect changing social behaviours and can lead to overconfidence and poor decision-making, which can compromise workplace safety.

MDMA and heroin trends, though more variable between the two countries, highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive safety strategies. Any use of illicit drugs substantially increases the risk of workplace incidents and/or accidents.

Are We Facing the Same Challenges?

Yes and No. Both countries are grappling with high methamphetamine use and a rise in cocaine consumption, pointing to shared challenges in managing stimulant use.

However, Australia’s drug landscape appears more complex, with significantly higher volumes and a notable increase in heroin use – a trend not yet seen in New Zealand. These differences may reflect variations in supply chains, enforcement, and social behaviours however they all point to the need for robust workplace safety measures.

What Can Employers Do?

With drug trends shifting, it’s important to:

• • Review and Update Drug and Alcohol Policies and Procedures
    To reflect current risks and educate staff on their responsibilities.
  • Implement Regular and Random Testing
    To detect and deter use.
  • Provide Training and Awareness Programs
    To help employees understand the safety risks associated with drug and alcohol use and reinforce the shared responsibility in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
  • Support Employee Wellbeing
    Including access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and early intervention strategies.

Staying Informed is the First Step to Staying Safe

Wastewater data gives us a unique view into community drug use – and a timely reminder that proactive workplace safety measures are essential in today’s changing risk environment.

If you’d like support with implementing drug and alcohol testing, training your teams, updating policies, or organising onsite testing in Australia or New Zealand, get in touch – we’re here to help.

Sources

1. Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division. (2020). Methamphetamine.