Trends in treatment episodes for methamphetamine smoking and injecting in Australia, 2003–2019

• DOI: 10.1111/dar.13258
• Publication Date: 2021-02-28T19:00:11Z
• Authors: Rebecca McKetin; Agata Chrzanowska; Nicola Man; Amy Peacock; Rachel Sutherland; Louisa Degenhardt
• Keywords: Methamphetamine; Drug treatment

Abstract Introduction We examined trends in Australian treatment episodes for smoking and injecting methamphetamine from 2003 to 2019. Methods Data the Alcohol Other Drug Treatment National Minimum Set, where amphetamines were principal drug of concern, analysed Rates calculated per 100 000 population aged 10–100 years. Joinpoint software was used identify changepoints estimate annual percentage change (APC) rate episodes. episode characteristics compared versus Results The increased 77 262 between 2019 (average APC 8%, P < 0.001), this being due 32%, 0.001) with no significant increase 3%). sharply 2008 (APC 72%, again 2010 2016 46%, upward trend attenuated 7%, = 0.012). (cf. injecting) involved younger clients (median age 30 vs. 35 years, who more likely receive assessment or case management only (37% 29%, 0.001). Discussion Conclusions Increased Australia since are mostly drug, occurring among cohort less substantive than inject methamphetamine.