Increasing use of stimulants in Australia: Cause for health services concern

Abstract

After cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are the second most consumed drug worldwide with the number of users increasing between 2014 and 2015 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2018). ATS are a group of central nervous system stimulants including amphetamine, methylamphetamine, 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (also known as ecstasy), and cocaine. Methylamphetamine is available in four forms: tablet, crystalline (often called 'ice'), base (known as 'paste'), and powder (referred to commonly as 'speed'). It can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. MDMA is usually available as a tablet and cocaine as a powder (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2018).