A CLOSER LOOK AT ICE USE IN AUSTRALIA

Anyone familiar with crystal meth (or anyone who has experimented with this terrible substance) is fully aware that this is one of the deadliest drugs on the planet. However, did you know there is a form of this psychostimulant that is more powerful than the crystal variant? Part of a manufactured group of amphetamines, methamphetamine has always posed a dangerous threat to human and social health, but, according to reports in Australia, our friends Down Under are reporting rates of addiction to meth’s purest form: ice. So how are officials tackling this situation and what more can we learn about this deadly drug? Let’s take a closer look at the rates of ice use in Australia.

National Sampler for Meth Use

In 2016, the National Drug Household Survey confirmed that a small but nonetheless substantial part of the Australian population has either suffered from addiction to or casually used this drug. Based on the report, 6.3% (roughly 1.3 million) Australians experimented with a form of methamphetamine (crystal meth, speed, and ice), while 1.4% confirmed past use (or abuse). However, out of the group of 1.3 million, a staggering 57% of subjects admitted to using ice, while about 20% settled for speed powder. Ultimately, the National survey confirmed the rate of ice use has increased from 68% in 2017 to 75% in 2018 (in the sample group).

Numbers Are Promising…Somewhat

Thankfully, the National Drug Household Survey has confirmed that meth use has either remained unchanged or has slightly decreased over the past couple of years. However, rates of casual use or dependency for methamphetamine (in total) have increased. Likewise, while rates of speed use have decreased (50% to 20%), the use of ice has simultaneously boosted (22% to 55%). So, while methamphetamine’s simpler forms are dwindling in popularity, more and more addicts and abusers are being attracted to the deadly ice. (Keep in mind that certain factors like dependency, psychosis, and meth-related deaths have also increased as a result of this trend.)

Seeking Treatment for Stimulant Addiction or Abuse

Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.

The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.