The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission's latest wastewater report has been revealed, with some shocking results of drug and alcohol use across the country,
While some publications are treating the results like a contest, Australia's drinking and drug culture is one that needs to be reflected on with critical thought and proactive drug policy. Distinct patterns have emerged based on with the report, with each distinct state capital leaning heavily on some drugs.
Sydney proved to be the cocaine capital of Australia, with the results estimated a whopping 800mg of cocaine use per 1000 people per day on average. Other capital cities Brisbane and Melbourne used nearly half of that at 450mg per 1000 people per day, almost 5 times of that of Perth which used 102mg per 100 people per day.
The report also tracked alcohol usage, with Sydney drinking about 1200 standard drinks per 1000 people daily, compared to 875 standard drinks in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Hobart and Darwin stand out in this metric sitting at 2142 and 2933 standard drinks respectively.
Australia's methamphetamine use is also deeply concerning, being so high that it is almost larger per capita than most other countries use of all stimulants. The country also ranks first for illicit substance consumption across 129 cities and 28 countries.
Melbourne had the highest usage of heroine at 221mg per 1000 people daily, compared to Sydney at 123mg and Brisbane at 93mg.
In terms of nicotine, Darwin took the top spot with residents consumer 4292mg per 1000 people daily, followed by Hobart at 3250mg daily before Sydney and Brisbane and 1992 mg.
