New stats show a geographical breakdown of Australia’s drug use. 

A new report by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) on the consumption of illicit drugs across Australia's states, territories, and regions reveal significant variances. 

The wastewater monitoring report, which analysed sewage samples from 62 treatment plants covering more than half of the country's population, offers insight into the nation's illegal drug market from August 2022 to August 2023.

New South Wale stands out for its cocaine consumption, nearing the combined total of all other states and territories.

Victoria emerges as the leading consumer of heroin, accounting for almost half of the country's total intake.

In Queensland, cannabis consumption surpasses any other part of Australia, highlighting a preference or trend distinct from other substances monitored.

Tasmania has seen a significant surge in MDMA (ecstasy) usage, nearly doubling its consumption compared to the previous year.

Experts caution against drawing overly precise conclusions from the data, citing the potential for non-representative sampling and the anonymity of specific sites. 

The evidence sees Adelaide as the highest per capita consumer of methamphetamine, though regional areas outpace capital cities on average.

Cocaine's highest usage per capita was recorded in a site within Sydney, with NSW consuming almost as much as the rest of the country combined.

Heroin is consumed most in Victoria, particularly in Melbourne, indicating a concentrated usage pattern in urban centres.

MDMA has seen a notable increase across Australia, except in the Northern Territory, with the most substantial rise in Tasmania.

The ACIC's principal drugs advisor, Shane Neilson, noted, “The heroin market will always be here but it doesn't show substantial signs of expansion”, indicating a stable yet persistent presence of heroin use within the country.

As for cannabis, Queensland's consumption outstripped NSW by 300 kilograms, despite a significant population difference, suggesting a higher per capita usage rate in Queensland.

This data not only aids in understanding the dynamics of Australia's illicit drug market but also informs ACIC's research and initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges. 

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation's knowledge manager, Robert Taylor, has called for a health-based approach to drug use to mitigate harm, underscoring the need for comprehensive support and care for individuals affected by drug issues.

More details are accessible here.