A report from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has revealed record high drug consumption across Australia.
SNAPSHOT
The April 2020 collection covers about 56% of Australia’s population (13.1 million people)2
Capital city vs. Regional: Cocaine and heroin average city consumption exceeded regional consumption. Regional nicotine, alcohol, methylamphetamine, MDMA, MDA, oxycodone, fentanyl and cannabis average consumption exceeded consumption in capital cities2.
Of the drugs measured with available dose data, alcohol and nicotine remain the most consumed, with methylamphetamine the most consumed illicit drug2.
The average capital city consumption of alcohol, methylamphetamine, MDMA, oxycodone, fentanyl and cannabis decreased and nicotine, cocaine and heroin increased. 2*
The average regional consumption of nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, MDMA, oxycodone and fentanyl decreased and methylamphetamine, heroin and cannabis increased. 2*
*Between December 2019 and April 2020.
Regional areas have had a significant increase in methylamphetamine and heroin use during the pandemic period and in capital cities; cocaine, cannabis and nicotine use drastically exceeded record highs (Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, 2020).
In contrast, record low drug consumption included fentanyl in regional areas and oxycodone and alcohol in capital cities across our states.
Even with Australia’s borders closures and lockdown restrictions in place, the drugs were still available with no changes regarding drug purchasing.
Despite some price increases having been reported during the pandemic period, several areas had increased drug consumption. The ACIC report indicates to us that price doesn’t necessarily have an impact on consumption levels.
In June 2020, cannabis use within capital cities had risen to the highest level on record. In April 2020, regional areas had recorded the second highest level of consumption. According to the ACIC report, the increased consumption levels were likely a result of the market being supplied from domestic sources and therefore there was no negative impact on the cannabis market during the COVID pandemic period.
Drug trend highlights across Australia
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Drastic increase in methylamphetamine use in regional SA^. Levels exceeded Adelaide’s for the first time
Increase in Cannabis use during pandemic – regional records highest ever levels^
One of only 2 states to report reduced levels of nicotine & alcohol use
^During April 2020
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Only state to note a major spike in the use of MDA
Cannabis use at a record high for Darwin in February & June 2020
Smoking appeared to increase
A decline in methylamphetamine, oxycodone, cocaine, & fentanyl use
NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney is Australia’s #1 cocaine capital
2nd highest levels of recorded cocaine consumption in June 2020 & decreased between December 2019 – April 2020
Decrease in alcohol consumption April 2020
Decrease in cannabis use since October 2019 & spiked to record highs in June 2020
QUEENSLAND
Increase in cannabis use across city and regions^
Cocaine consumption at a record high in Brisbane during February 2020
Record high levels of nicotine use in regional areas^
Methylamphetamine use in regional areas at record highs^
^During April 2020
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
In June 2020, ACT recorded it’s highest levels of Cannabis use
Highest levels of recorded cocaine consumption in June 2020
Increase in smoking levels
VICTORIA
Highest users of oxycodone (along with Tasmania)
The only state with no decrease in heroin use
Cocaine use soared in Melbourne during June 2020
Small increase in MDMA use in Melbourne*
*Between April and June 2020
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Methylamphetamine use in Perth more than halved between April to June 2020
A drastic drop in heroin use*
Increase in cannabis use*
Record high cocaine use*
Highest levels of methylone use across Australia
*Between April and June 2020
TASMANIA
Highest users of oxycodone (along with Victoria)
One of the highest levels of cannabis use
MDA use has reduced in the past 12 months
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References
- Moore, H., 2020. Most Popular Drug Per State Revealed. [online] news.com.au. Available at: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/new-report-reveals-what-drugs-are-most-popular-in-every-state/news-story/30569b0a6b43e70c0a01224621a2a179 [Accessed 12 January 2021].
- Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, 2020. National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program. 11. [online] Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, pp.2-7, 11. Available at: https://www.acic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-10/NWDMP_R11%20-%20FINAL.pdf [Accessed 12 January 2021].