Territorians’ consumption of alcohol, nicotine, cannabis the highest in the nation: Report
BOOZING, smoking and using cannabis continue to be favourite pastimes of Territorians, according to the latest National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Report.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BOOZING, smoking and using cannabis continue to be favourite pastimes of Territorians, according to the latest National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Report.
The report tested water in December 2019 and compared data with August 2019, from a capital city site and a regional site.
Territorians consumed between 2200 and 2700 drinks per 1000 people, per day in both the capital city and regional site – resulting in the NT having the second-highest average capital city consumption, and highest regional consumption in the nation.
The report noted the Territory tended to have the highest overall use of alcohol since the start of the program, followed by Tasmania.
MORE TOP NEWS
Police fine 13 people for breaching quarantine over the weekend
Public backlash may keep pool fees hike at bay
Court orders NT cattle family be paid $2.9m for 2011 export ban fiasco
Between 3800 and 4700 cigarettes were inhaled per 1000 people per day in both sites, making the Territory the leading consumer of nicotine in the country.
Territorians in regional areas used between 44,000mg and 55,000mg of cannabis per 1000 people per day, which was the highest regional average in Australia.
Average methylamphetamine, heroin and oxycodone consumption decreased in the capital city and regional sites.
MDMA, MDA and fentanyl use declined in the capital city site, but increased in regional NT.
There were some improvements compared with the last report, which showed use of methylamphetamine and fentanyl had increased in both sites.
New NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for first 12 weeks
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission chief executive Michael Phelan said the program gave valuable insight into the trends and issues of drug consumption in Australia. “Australians continue to consume illicit drugs at increasing levels and the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program is providing an important and consistent measure to guide and monitor drug responses,” he said.
“The program continues to evolve and demonstrate its flexibility.”
Photos: Inside the Navy’s war games off the Top End coast
In an undisclosed location north west of Darwin, two teams of highly trained sailors battle it out to rule the waves in sophisticated war games. See the behind-the-scenes photos.
What’s on: NT talent across industries shines on Aussie stage
In the last three weeks alone there have been some awards won, records broken, and Australia firsts – all good things – and all by people in Darwin and the NT, writes Kate Dinning.