Is there an ice epidemic in <scp>A</scp>ustralia?

Usher, Kim; Clough, Alan R.; Woods, Cindy; Robertson, Jan

doi:10.1111/inm.12155

Cited by 12 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Over the past two decades, Australian methamphetamine markets have been in flux, with parts of the country witnessing the peak of a second methamphetamine 'epidemic' in 2014 [9,10]. This was in part sparked by a shift in the predominant form of methamphetamine used (from 'speed' to crystal methamphetamine-a typically stronger form) [11] and increased purity of all methamphetamine forms [12] coinciding with increased reporting of crystal methamphetamine-related harms amongst stimulant users and PWID [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Motivations for crystal methamphetamine-opioid co-injection/co-use amongst community-recruited people who inject drugs: a qualitative study

et al. 2020

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Aims: We report on motivations for crystal methamphetamine-opioid co-use/co-injection through narratives of people who inject drugs during a period of increased crystal methamphetamine use reporting in Australia. Methods: Fourteen in-depth interviews were undertaken with selected participants (12 male, 2 female) from the Melbourne Injecting Drug User Cohort Study, including those in and out of opioid substitution therapy (OST). Results: The main motivations for co-use reported by participants were as follows: (1) that heroin could be used to reduce the negative side effects of heavy crystal methamphetamine use, particularly during the 'comedown' phase; (2) that small quantities of crystal methamphetamine used with heroin could prolong the intoxication effect of heroin, and hence the time before opioid withdrawal; (3) that co-injection of crystal methamphetamine and heroin produced a more desirable intoxication effect than using either substance on its own and; (4) that crystal methamphetamine provided a substitute 'high' for heroin after commencing OST treatment. Conclusions: Co-use of methamphetamine and opioids has been used by people who inject drugs to facilitate intoxication, sometimes as the result of ineffective opioid substitution therapy (OST) treatment and perceived lack of pleasure after stabilisation on OST treatment.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Motivations for crystal methamphetamine-opioid co-injection/co-use amongst community-recruited people who inject drugs: a qualitative study

et al. 2020

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“…Furthermore, given the perceived movement of people away from communities to seek alcohol, treatment and diversion options may need to be scaled up in the regional centres as well as in the affected communities. The issue of illicit drug use and harms in rural and remote communities is of rising concern across much of Australia (Hamilton & Dunlop, 2016;National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee & National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, 2014;Usher, Clough, Woods, & Robertson, 2015). Although illicit drugs are generally matters for State and Territory enforcement agencies, Indigenous communities with AMPs in place may benefit from the current national response to these issues (Commonwealth of Australia, 2015).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alcohol control policies in Indigenous communities: A qualitative study of the perceptions of their effectiveness among service providers, stakeholders and community leaders in Queensland (Australia)

Clough

Margolis

Miller

et al. 2016

International Journal of Drug Policy

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Alcohol restrictions in Queensland's Indigenous communities may have brought favourable changes, a significant achievement after a long period of poorly regulated alcohol availability from the 1980s up to 2002. Subsequently, over the past decade, an urgency to access and consume illicit alcohol appears to have emerged. It is not clear that relaxing restrictions would reverse the harmful impacts of AMPs without significant demand reduction, treatment and diversion efforts.

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“…Academics, on the other hand, are more reserved (Usher et al . ). Overall use of methamphetamine has, in fact, remained relatively stable over the past 10 years in Australia.…”

Section: The Realitymentioning

confidence: 97%

Gaps in the ice: Methamphetamine in Australia; its history, treatment, and ramifications for users and their families

Gordon

Jong

2018

Int J Mental Health Nurs

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It is now well-established that Australia has a significant issue with methamphetamine. Recent dramatic changes in manufacturing have led to significant shifts in both the patterns of use and the relative purity of this illicit drug, with the crystalline form of methamphetamine commonly referred to as 'ice'. Excessive use not only impacts on those taking the drug, but also takes a heavy toll on their families. With few effective treatment options currently available, there is a strong focus on developing replacement pharmacotherapies and examining the efficacy of outpatient counselling and residential treatment options. Recent research in addiction care supports the positive impact that families of users can have on both treatment and recovery for their loved ones. Despite this recognition, there is little current research looking at the experiences of families of users of the uniquely problematic drug methamphetamine. This paper outlines the historical narrative that has led to the current worldwide phenomenon of ice use and explores contemporary directions of research into its impact and potential treatments. In doing so, it outlines the relatively unexplored impact of ice on families and highlights a current need for nursing research into their experiences living with loved ones using the drug.

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Is there an ice epidemic in Australia?

Cited by 12 publications

References 11 publications

Motivations for crystal methamphetamine-opioid co-injection/co-use amongst community-recruited people who inject drugs: a qualitative study

Motivations for crystal methamphetamine-opioid co-injection/co-use amongst community-recruited people who inject drugs: a qualitative study

Alcohol control policies in Indigenous communities: A qualitative study of the perceptions of their effectiveness among service providers, stakeholders and community leaders in Queensland (Australia)

Gaps in the ice: Methamphetamine in Australia; its history, treatment, and ramifications for users and their families

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