‘No idea’: Australia’s shameful statistic laid bare

It’s a common weekend pastime for many down under, but what’s the real cost of this dangerous habit?

Australia’s shameful drug use has been laid bare, with damning statistics revealing Australia has the highest rate of cocaine users per capita in the world.

This issue is primarily driven by the high number of weekend users who spend hundreds of dollars on a bag every weekend without hesitation or thought into the consequences.

The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (2022–2023) revealed that cocaine is the second most-used illicit drug in Australia, following cannabis.

In that year, approximately 4.5 per cent of Australians, or roughly one million people, reported using cocaine, with a noticeable increase among female users, rising from 3 per cent to 3.7 per cent.

This trend reflects a broader increase in illicit drug use among females, particularly young women.

Professor Michael Farrell, Director of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW, expressed concern over Australia’s cocaine usage.

He suggested that the high price of cocaine, approximately $350 per gram, makes Australia an appealing market for importing and selling the drug, resulting in it being more common and therefore more accessible.

Australia has the highest rate of cocaine users per capita in the world, with many users not knowing the risks involved. Picture: iStock

Increased reports of harm and people seeking treatment

The interest in cocaine is fascinating for Prof Farrell, especially given the current cost-of-living crisis.

“It’s associated with employed, highly educated, higher-income individuals,” he explained.

“So people perceive it as trendy and fashionable and a party drug. Initially, it produces an intense feeling of euphoria, which draws people to the drug.”

The NDARC Drug Trends program found an increase in reports of cocaine abuse in recent years. However, the accounts of abuse tend to be episodic, much like the usage patterns of the drug itself.

“As time has gone on, we’ve seen increased reports of problems and people seeking treatment, as well as a rise in death rates,” Prof Farrell noted.

Cocaine overdose symptoms can include agitation, excessive excitement, and delirium if a large amount is consumed.

Over time, cocaine use can lead to greater dependence, resulting in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of suicide.

Some people may even experience cocaine-induced psychosis.

The most serious physical risks associated with cocaine use are cardiovascular issues and the risk of stroke.

Cocaine can lead to elevated heart rates and blood pressure, as well as chest pains, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, and long-term heart damage, which are becoming increasingly common among young people.

“It’s bringing the age of heart attacks down,” he stated.

Cocaine can be an unpredictable drug and can produce toxic and sometimes fatal reactions regardless of the amount consumed.

If someone takes too much cocaine, they may experience agitation, excessive excitement, and delirium.

Combining cocaine with other substances, particularly alcohol, is common, and can exacerbate the risks.

When these two substances are used together, they create a metabolite called cocaethylene, which is more toxic than either drug alone.

Using cocaine with other stimulants like methamphetamine or ecstasy can also heighten the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Broader education about the associated risks is needed to tackle to national cocaine problem. Picture: iStock

How can this issue be addressed?

Professor Farrell suggests that, as with all drug-related issues, addressing cocaine use requires broader education about the associated risks.

“The big issue is that people often believe they won’t incur harm from drug use,” he said.

“They need to be aware that exposure significantly increases the risks of prolonged addiction, as well as social, physical, and psychological harm.”

Cocaine is known by various street names such as coke, dust and nose candy. Picture: iStock

What is cocaine?

Cocaine is a short-acting stimulant that affects the brain by increasing levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

It is derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America.

Cocaine is available in three main forms: a paste, cocaine hydrochloride (powder), and crack cocaine (a white or off-white crystal rock that is typically smoked).

In Australia, cocaine is most commonly found in its powder form, which is usually white or off-white, and it is typically sold in grams.

While it is most often taken by snorting, cocaine can also be taken in other ways, including injecting.

It is known by various street names, including coke, blow, charlie, C, candy, dust, flake, nose candy, snow, white, white lady, crack or rock.

Originally published as ‘No idea’: Australia’s shameful statistic laid bare