20-Year Surge in Methamphetamine Deaths in Australia

[Paracelsus]

The study, led by Oisin Stronach from Monash University, alongside experts from the Burnet Institute and Curtin University, offers a comprehensive analysis of methamphetamine-related mortality, revealing a complex and evolving public health crisis. The study analyzed 8,812 methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia between 2001 and 2020, using data from the National Coronial Information System. It identified several critical trends:

Rising Mortality Rates: The study found significant increases in methamphetamine-related deaths during two key periods: 2001-2006 and 2009-2016. The most recent phase, from 2017 to 2020, saw a slight decline, but the overall trend remains concerning.

Unintentional Drug Toxicity: Nearly half of the deaths (49.8%) were due to unintentional drug toxicity, often involving methamphetamine combined with other substances like opioids and benzodiazepines. The study highlighted that the increased availability and use of high-purity crystal methamphetamine significantly contributed to these deaths.

Intentional Self-Harm: Intentional self-harm, including suicides, accounted for 23.3% of deaths, with a notable rise in hangings during the period from 2009 to 2014. This trend points to the intersection of mental health issues and methamphetamine use, underscoring the urgent need for integrated mental health and substance use services.

Natural Causes and Cardiovascular Risks: Deaths from natural causes, particularly circulatory system diseases, have continued to rise, especially among individuals in their 40s and 50s. The study suggests that prolonged methamphetamine use may have severe long-term effects on cardiovascular health, contributing to premature mortality.

Demographic Disparities: The research also highlighted demographic disparities, with males and individuals in metropolitan and regional areas being disproportionately affected. The median age of those who died increased from 29 years in 2001 to 44 years in 2022, indicating an aging population of methamphetamine users.

Implications for Public Health and Policy​

The findings of this study have profound implications for public health policy in Australia. The rising rates of methamphetamine-related deaths, particularly from drug toxicity and natural causes, call for a multi-faceted approach to harm reduction and treatment. The researchers advocate for:

Expanded Harm Reduction Services: The study highlights the need for more supervised injecting facilities and drug consumption rooms across Australia. These facilities could play a crucial role in preventing overdose deaths and connecting users with vital health services.

Targeted Cardiovascular Screening: Given the increasing deaths from circulatory diseases, the study suggests early cardiovascular screening for methamphetamine users, particularly those over 40, to detect and manage heart-related conditions before they become fatal.

Integrated Mental Health and Substance Use Services: The rise in suicides among methamphetamine users points to the need for better integration of mental health and drug treatment services. Tailored suicide prevention strategies that address the unique needs of methamphetamine users are urgently needed.

Conclusion​

As Australia grapples with the ongoing methamphetamine crisis, this study provides a crucial roadmap for addressing the complex challenges posed by this potent drug. With methamphetamine use continuing to evolve, the researchers stress the importance of adaptive and evidence-based interventions to reduce the devastating impact on individuals and communities.

For more detailed findings, the full study is available at the International Journal of Drug Policy

 

[cofita666]

Little bit scary that's nearly half people die duo toxicity meth with mixing opiods ,benzos...
I'm always get benzo if use stimulans



Thanks for information text

 

[handle]

What the world needs now, is love sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of.

 

[miner21]

Be safe and test your drugs

 

[DMTrott]

Based upon nothing other than anecdotal stories and conversations with Australians, I have the impression that meth is relatively (and significantly) more popular there than in Europe or the US. If this is in fact the case (and it might not be), I wonder why it is so. I would assume that cocaine is out of the window due to transportation logistics, but I'm not so sure with respect to other psychoactive options.

 

[Paracelsus]

This is interesting information. We need someone from locals to get the details

 

[DMTrott]

One harm reduction point I should perhaps also make: of all the drugs I have ever used, and that is 182, I found methamphetamine to be the most prone to compulsive redosing. Whatever supply I had I would have continued to snort until it was all gone.

Luckily I had only 100mg at my disposal, which was plenty, but without this built-in limitation quite simply I would not have stopped. Whilst I have found this issue to exist with other stims, I found that the craving with this one was noticeably more intensive.

 

[Paracelsus]

Methamphetamine is much more neurotoxic than most stimulants, causing irreversible damage to brain cells. It leads to significant loss of dopamine and serotonin neurons, particularly in areas like the striatum and prefrontal cortex, which are critical for mood, motivation, and cognition. Cocaine, while also affecting dopamine, tends to have a more reversible impact with short-term use. Amphetamine and MDMA also impact dopamine and serotonin systems, but methamphetamine’s ability to cause long-lasting or permanent neurodegeneration is far greater.

Meth triggers an excessive release of dopamine, leading to a spike in brain activity. Over time, this surge depletes dopamine stores and damages the terminals of dopamine neurons. This damage is associated with impaired motor function, cognitive decline, and mood disorders.

Besides meth use triggers chronic inflammation in the brain by activating microglia (immune cells in the brain). This leads to prolonged neuroinflammation, contributing to further neuronal damage. Cocaine and other stimulants do not typically activate glial cells to the same degree.

Last but not least, meth induces high levels of oxidative stress, a condition in which harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate in the brain. This oxidative damage is a major factor in the neurotoxicity, leading to cell death and damage to the blood-brain barrier.