Impacts-of-methamphetamine-in-Victoria-Community-Assessment-Penington-Institute

Methamphetamine becoming cheaper:All sources reported that methamphetamine was becoming cheaper, and price was a key driver ofincreased use.“The accessibility is phenomenal and the affordability is phenomenal” (Team Leader, Youth Services,Hume Region)Some participants noted that it was cheaper, or better value, than alcohol, meaning:“... for $100 a point, for a recreational user, $100 bucks for a weekend, to have that euphoria,compared to spending $200 bucks on the booze – it is a cheaper option”.This is consistent with comments from a crystal methamphetamine consumer who has said it “feelsgreat, you have interesting crazy conversations, helps you last through a big weekend” [33].The issue of cost effectiveness compared with alcohol was reiterated by another Hume region, youthhomelessness worker who said:“A night on ice can last for days... drinking lasts a few hours.”However, for those with a lower tolerance to methamphetamine, a smaller amount could get youthrough a night. In Gippsland, a youth worker reported:“As of a few weeks ago, for as little as $10 you could buy enough to get you through”In summary, key informants reported increased use of crystal methamphetamine among their clientsand their wider communities. Key reasons for increased availability were that the drug was accessible,available and relatively cheap.This is consistent with comments from a Victorian who has used methamphetamine and who said:“It’s the strongest possible amphetamine stimulant in the world and it’s cheap compared to heroin. Iwas addicted for seven months at 18” [33].7.2. Patterns of use and social contextNature of useCrystal methamphetamine was reportedly the most common form of methamphetamine being usedat all sites surveyed for this report. It was most commonly being reported as being smoked(particularly amongst young people and new initiates), however in some areas they noted that, froman AOD service perspective, they were seeing a 50-50 split with injecting and smoking. There wereless frequent reports of young people snorting ice. Injecting methamphetamine users tended to bepeople who had already been injectors, but there were also reports of new injectors.34