Methamphetamine Deaths, Hospitalisations Hit Record Levels in Australia
In 2024, there were 753 overdose deaths mainly involving methamphetamine, while 14,000 hospital stays were recorded due to methamphetamine use in 2023–24.
TL;DR
- Methamphetamine-related deaths and hospitalisations are at record levels in Australia.
- In 2024, there were 753 overdose deaths involving amphetamine-type stimulants, mainly methamphetamine.
- This equates to a death rate of 2.9 per 100,000 people, a substantial increase from previous years.
- Nearly 14,000 hospital stays were attributed to methamphetamine use in 2023-24.
- This represents a record rate of 53 hospital stays per 100,000 people.
- Wastewater testing revealed an estimated 15.8 tonnes of methamphetamine were used in 2024-25, a record in every state and territory.
- Authorities seized over 16 tonnes of methamphetamine in 2024, exceeding previous years' seizures.