Young men from SA’s eastern suburbs driving illicit drug use surge among workers, research finds

Young men from Adelaide’s wealthy eastern suburbs are among the most likely to use illicit drugs. One has detailed his harrowing spiral into dependence.

Young men from some of SA’s most affluent suburbs, like Norwood (pictured) are among the most likely to use illicit drugs, according to a new study from Flinders University Picture: Brenton Edwards

If you’re a worker using illicit drugs, chances are you’re male, under 40, and living in one of Adelaide’s most affluent suburbs, a new study by Flinders University has found.

Researchers at the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction found almost a million Australian workers, or 7 per cent of the workforce, report using illicit drugs on a weekly basis.

The highest prevalence was among young, single male workers aged 14 to 24.

The construction sector was highlighted as an area of concern, along with accommodation and food services.

The majority of users came from Australia’s most advantaged socio-economic groups, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

In Adelaide, that includes suburbs such as Burnside, Unley, St Peters, Norwood and Kensington Park.

More than 900,000 Australian workers report using illicit drugs each week. Picture: iStock

“I guess I had a lot of cash. I was looking for fun,” a man called David, 29, who grew up in Kensington Park and now wears an overcoat and a dishevelled baseball cap, told The Advertiser.

He once worked in insurance but said a pattern of heavy drinking spiralled into weekend methamphetamine use. Substances such as meth and cocaine can impair work performance for days after use.

Meth, in particular, can cause agitation and cognitive impairment for up to a week.

For some users, that’s when the cycle begins: chasing energy, then chasing relief from the crash.

Drug test often used in a workplace. Pictures: Supplied

“That’s where the trouble started,” said David, now three years out of work and struggling to find a place to live.

“I never thought I’d see that side of life – but now I have.”

The Flinders University study found workers with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, and those who drank heavily, were significantly more likely to use illicit drugs.

Author Dr Kirrilly Thompson said the study not only defined the scale of the illicit drug issue but also provided a clear profile of those most affected, allowing for targeted workplace interventions.

“What’s important to recognise is that workers who regularly use illicit drugs may simply be unaware that their level of use is affecting their health, wellbeing and personal relationships,” she said.

Separate data from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation shows one in nine Australian workers has operated under the influence of illicit opioids or amphetamines in the past year – up from one in ten.

“There’s growing evidence of drug use, particularly cannabis and amphetamines, in sectors like construction, transport and logistics,” said Matt Salihi from Touch Biotechnology, which supplies workplace drug-testing tools.