People who use party drugs say it gives them energy to dance and socialise, reduces their inhibitions and enhances their feelings of connection to others.
The growing trend of sexualised injection meth use — colloquially referred to as ‘slamming’ — is a growing public health concern due to the dual risk of transmission of HIV and other blood-borne viruses via both injection and sexual transmission.
(Shutterstock)
The sexualized use of crystal meth by gay men is one of the key drivers of rising HIV rates and has many negative mental health consequences. Integrated sexual and substance use care is vital.
Tik users’ teeth are often damaged by their habit.
Shutterstock
Extensive decay and gum disease are overlooked and under-researched effects of crystal methamphetamine.
Police seized 200kg of methamphetamine during a drug bust in Perth, Western Australia, in May 2016.
AAP Image/Department of Immigration and Border Protection
West Australian Labor leader Mark McGowan said his state has the “worst rate of methamphetamine usage in the country”. We asked the experts to check the evidence.
Ice Wars invokes fear and stigma - both of which are very unhelpful in battling drug dependence.
Screen Shot/ABC website
Without doubt, crystal methamphetamine, like many drugs (including alcohol) is capable of causing immense harm. But when facts are distorted to create fear and stigma it helps no one.
US TV-style ‘interventions’ aren’t the answer.
Kamira/Shutterstock
Australia is following the lead of the United States and sending ex-ice users into schools in the hope they can impact kids’ attitudes towards drug use and prevent use.
There has been particular concern about methamphetamine use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Matthew/flickr
Around 2.3% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians 15 years and over report using speed or amphetamine in the past year. This is similar to the general population.
Ice is more readily smoked than other methamphetamines, but can also be injected.
from shutterstock.com
Ice is a slang name for crystal methamphetamine – a stimulant drug that is swallowed, smoked or injected. It works by activating the reward pathways in the brain, producing feelings of alertness.
Smoking therapy – not recommended.
Notto Yeez/Shutterstock.com
The ice taskforce’s report sends a clear message about the importance of focusing on drug use as a health issue. This signals an important shift in thinking.
Evidence-based drug treatments are relatively successful at reducing use and improving quality of life.
SpeedKingz/Shutterstock
The challenge is to intervene before users hit crisis point. A Hawaii-based program does just this and has achieved substantial reductions in drug use. A similar scheme could work in Australia.
These mixed messages reflect a longstanding tension in public policy and legal debates about drug use.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
There is no evidence to suggest mandatory treatment outside of the criminal justice system would work. Instead, we need to increase funding for treatment programs, including early intervention.
Forms of methamphetamines that can be smoked or injected have greater risks.
Marco Gomes/Flickr
Much media attention is being given to the rising toll of methamphetamine-related harm in Australia, fuelled by the increased availability and use of high purity crystalline meth.