How common is drug use in Perth besides Marijuana?
Drug use in Perth, excluding cannabis, is highly significant, with the city consistently ranking as a national epicenter for stimulant consumption. Recent wastewater analysis and health reporting indicate that Western Australia (WA) has some of the highest usage rates in the country for methamphetamine, while cocaine and MDMA use have also reached record or near-record highs.
Here is a breakdown of drug use in Perth based on recent data:
1. Methamphetamine ("Meth" or "Ice")
"Meth Capital": Perth is often referred to as the methamphetamine capital of Australia.
Usage Rates: Wastewater monitoring shows that Perth has high, sometimes record-level, methamphetamine consumption.
Recent Trends: Following a decline during the pandemic, meth consumption in Western Australia increased by 40% after state borders reopened, reaching levels not seen since 2016.
Impact: Amphetamines are the primary drug of concern for which people in Western Australia seek treatment, accounting for a significant portion of drug-related hospitalizations.
2. Cocaine
Record Highs: Cocaine use in Perth and regional Western Australia reached record highs in late 2023.
Rapid Increase: While WA historically had lower cocaine use than the eastern states, recent data shows a 55% surge in consumption in the state.
3. MDMA (Ecstasy)
High Usage: MDMA consumption in Western Australia has seen a sharp increase, with reports indicating it has risen by 65% in recent periods.
Context: It is commonly used among young adults, with high usage reported in metropolitan areas.
4. Other Substances
Ketamine: Consumption of ketamine in Perth is at its highest point since 2021.
Pharmaceutical Misuse: There is noted non-prescribed use of drugs such as benzodiazepines and opioids, although recent trends indicate some stabilization or decline in these, compared to the sharp rise in stimulants or decline in these, compared to the sharp rise in stimulants.
Key Drivers and Trends
Post-Border Opening: The opening of Western Australia's borders after COVID-19 restrictions led to a resurgence in the illicit drug market, allowing supply chains to re-establish, causing consumption of meth, cocaine, and MDMA to rise sharply.
Polydrug Use: A high percentage of users of stimulants like meth and MDMA also consume other illicit drugs, commonly cannabis and alcohol.
Socioeconomic Factors: While illicit drug use is widespread, it is often associated with high-stress environments and, paradoxically, has shown increases in areas of higher socioeconomic advantage.
In summary, besides marijuana, methamphetamine is the most common illicit drug used in Perth, followed by rapid increases in cocaine and MDMA usage, making Perth a major hub for stimulant consumption in Australia.
