Meth-related deaths increase fourfold: report

Methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia have increased fourfold over the last two decades, despite an overall decrease in people taking amphetamines, according to the Burnet Institute, Monash University and Curtin University study. The largest increase took place between 2009 and 2016, with the most common cause being poisoning. Male deaths were disproportionately high and occurred in both major cities and regional areas. The study highlighted an urgent need for greater accessibility to services, prevention, and harm reduction.