Drug use in WA and Perth, the highs and lows

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ICE in our wastewater? There is good and bad news for workplace drug testing in Perth and WA, from the fifth report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program.

There is good and not so good news for workplace drug testing in Perth and WA, from the fifth report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program released recently.

The most recent report found that use of methamphetamines in Perth were at its lowest levels since drug testing of the city’s wastewater began in 2016. And, in more good news, use of methamphetamine consumption across WA dropped in the latest reporting period. However, tempering these results was the continuing news that WA remains the highest users of methamphetamines in regional areas of Australia.

Here are some other Perth and Western Australia highlights and lowlights from the 5th report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program:

  • The program estimates that 1,528.3 kilograms of methamphetamines is consumed in Western Australia each year, as well as 43.8 kilograms of cocaine, 101.3 kilograms of MDMA (ecstasy) and 42.5 kilograms of heroin.
  • Average cocaine use decreased across Perth but increased in regional areas monitored.
  • Average heroin use decreased in both Perth and regional WA areas monitored.
  • Average use of both oxycodone and fentanyl decreased in Perth but increased in regional areas monitored. These opioid-based drugs, while prescribed pain killers, are increasingly being used by people without prescription, either for pain relief or for opioid highs.

What does this mean for workplace drug testing in Perth and WA?

While there is some good news from the results, the level of use of methamphetamines in Perth and WA remains high compared with the rest of Australia. While Perth usage was at its lowest levels since drug testing of the city’s wastewater began, the most recent results, according to a WA Today article, still amount to 30 doses of methamphetamines per 1000 people per day. Across WA, it was 58 doses of methamphetamines per 1000 people per day.

Clearly, people are still willing to take risks with drugs. And they’re still willing to take drugs and drive on the roads and go to work.

The best way to protect your business is to have a drug and alcohol policy, and conduct regular workplace drug testing. Integrity Sampling recommends saliva drug testing over urine drug testing, because of a number of advantages of saliva-based testing. To find out why and to enquire further about our workplace drug testing services, phone Integrity Sampling on 1300 SALIVA.

IMAGE CAPTION:

ICE in our wastewater? There is good and bad news for workplace drug testing in Perth and WA, from the fifth report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program. Credit leaf watoru https://www.flickr.com/photos/leaf-watoru/17461766725/

By Paul Marshall

Paul is the Owner and Director of Integrity Sampling WA, which has technicians that provides drug and alcohol management services, including drug and alcohol testing, in the Perth area and all regional locations within Western Australia. You can connect with Paul Marshall on LinkedIn

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