Patterns of Amphetamine Use: Initial Findings From the Amphetamines in Queensland Research Project, 2003

• NCJ Number: 204541
• Author(s): Mark Lynch; Robert Kemp; Leigh Krenske; Andrew Conroy; Julianne Webster
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 224 pages
• Sale Source: Queensland Crime and Misconduct Cmssn
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This book discusses the findings of the Amphetamines in Queensland (AIQ) research project, developed in response to concerns about the increased use of amphetamines in Queensland (Australia).

Abstract

The growing prevalence of amphetamine use is associated with a rise in the rate of users seeking treatment and the rate of injection-related harms. Law enforcement agencies have seen a substantial increase in the number of amphetamine seizures and detection of clandestine laboratories. This project used a peer research model to collect information on the views and experiences of amphetamine users. Peer researchers interviewed 690 respondents in both rural and urban areas throughout Queensland. The results presented in this report were based on a sample of 665 interviews. The results showed that more respondents had used speed powder and base than had used other forms of amphetamine. Respondents were around 18-years-old when they first tried any type of amphetamine; 10 percent were over 25. Many respondents had recently used other drugs, such as cannabis and tobacco. Injection was the most common method of using base amphetamine. More than half described their amphetamine use as recreational or casual. Initiation of amphetamine use tended to be opportunistic. Regarding physical health, respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 were disproportionately likely to experience some level of physical disability compared with the general population. The mental health of respondents was slightly poorer on average than that of the general population. About two in five were dependent on amphetamines. Three-quarters of respondents believed that the police made selling amphetamines a risky endeavor. Nearly half of those surveyed indicated that they had sold amphetamines at some stage. Supporting their own drug use was an important factor in their decision to begin selling. Respondents reported relatively high levels of involvement in criminal activity, such as break and enter and assault. Three-quarters of the respondents, mostly males, described themselves as injecting drug users. The overwhelmingly majority believed that HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B were very important health issues. 22 references