Report reveals changes in illicit drug use but alcohol key concern over summer experts says

A recent sample study of Tasmanian drug use suggests worrying trends of a rise in cocaine and non-prescribed stimulant use, however experts are concerned about another drug.

The latest UNSW Tasmanian Drug Trends report revealed non-prescribed ecstasy was the drug of choice among users. Picture: supplied

Increases of cocaine and non-prescribed stimulant use in have been recorded in a Tasmanian sample study, but drug education organisations say their main concern is alcohol.

The University of New South Wales conducted a survey of 87 regular drug users with a median age of 25 users from April to July 2024.

The report found thirty-six per cent nominated ecstasy as their drug of choice, with 82 per cent reporting it to be either easy or very easy to obtain.

This was followed by cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine, the report said.

Ninety-six per cent reported that methamphetamine, or ice, as being easy or very easy to obtain.

But Drug Education Network CEO Emily Chase said she was reluctant to say the data was a demonstration of an increase of illicit drug use in the community.

Emily Chase, Drug Education Network CEO. Picture: supplied

“It would just be that a particular shipment have gotten through as opposed to other substances,” Ms Chase said.

“What drugs are available at any time is what’s going to be popular.”

She said more open and honest conversations around drug and alcohol use had reduced a “fear of persecution”.

“Slowly we’re breaking the stigma around illicit drugs,” she said.

“No one substance is worse than the other, and we don’t see any more as topical as another.”

Despite this, she said with alcohol a common part of summer celebrations in Australian it was important to focus on alcohol-specific harm reduction strategies.

“There are more opportunities for public alcohol consumption which can lead to poor decision-making,” she said, citing drink spiking and drink driving common issues.

“Making a plan when you’re out and about and keeping an eye on where your drink is so important.”

The comments followed an incident on Tuesday when police said a man was intercepted in Queenstown riding a trail bike on a public street under the influence of alcohol.

Alcohol remains the key concern of health bodies over the summer. Picture: supplied

Tasmanian Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council CEO Jackie Hallam said while the report showed there were a “decent” number of Tasmanians regularly consuming illicit drugs, their impact on the health system were vastly outweighed by alcohol.

“Any harms or changes that this research reveals is like an early warning system,” Ms Hallam said.

“It shows many people use more than one drug at a time but alcohol features.

“80,000 Tasmanians drink at levels that cause short or long term harms … this is our main concern.”

An Ambulance Tasmania spokesperson said they often saw a spike in activity linked to excessive alcohol use over the festive period, including an increased number of avoidable ambulance calls.

“Tasmanians are advised to know their drinking limits, eat before going out, have water or soft drinks between alcoholic drinks, and look out for each other,” they said.

“It is also important to plan their journey home.”

For drug and alcohol information visit den.org.au

Originally published as Report reveals changes in illicit drug use but alcohol key concern over summer experts says