Introduction and aims: Little attention has been directed to the use of methamphetamine among Australian workers. To address this, a study was conducted that examined drug consumption patterns of the Australian work-force.
Design and method: A secondary analysis of the 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) data was undertaken that focused on methamphetamine use among those in paid employment.
Results: Methamphetamine use in the past 12 months was reported by 4.0% of workers compared to 2.2% of respondents not in the paid work-force. A larger proportion of male (4.8%) than female workers (3.0%) used methamphetamine. The highest prevalence occurred among 18-29-year-old workers (11.2%; males: 12.6%; females: 9.4%), and among workers in hospitality (9.5%), construction (5.4%) and transport (5.4%) industries and among tradespeople (6.5%). Significantly more methamphetamine users reported absenteeism compared to users of other illicit drugs and non-drug users. Among respondents reporting methamphetamine use, 13.4% reported absenteeism due to illicit drug use, while 56.8% reported absenteeism due to any illness or injury. Significantly more methamphetamine users (32.9%) reported going to work under the influence than users of other illicit drugs. Compared to users of other illicit drugs, methamphetamine users were also significantly more likely to drive a car, operate heavy machinery or abuse someone while under the influence.
Discussion and conclusions: The specific details of the profile of workers using methamphetamine and the impact it has on work performance allows for the development of targeted interventions and tailored prevention strategies previously not possible.