Want to know what illegal drugs people are using in Hobart and Tasmania? What about current drug trends?
One aptly named credible resource is Drug Trends — an internationally‑renowned monitoring network operating since 1996. As part of this program, the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) and the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) track emerging drug use patterns. Each year, they gather data that helps governments, health services, employers, and communities respond effectively.
The latest 2025 findings offer fresh insight into drug use trends in Tasmania.
It is important to note that the data reflects a ‘sentinel sample’ — people who regularly inject or use illicit drugs — and does not necessarily reflect drug use across the wider Tasmanian population.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Report
Methamphetamine Use Remains High
- In 2025, 95% of the IDRS sample reported recent use of methamphetamine. That is the highest rate since tracking began.
- For many, methamphetamine crystal is the preferred form: 97% of those who used methamphetamine reported using crystal.
- Frequent use is common: 80% of the sample said they used methamphetamine weekly or more often.
Other Drugs: Heroin, Cannabis, Cocaine, Pharmaceuticals
- Heroin remains in use, though at lower levels compared with meth. In 2025, 16% of the sample reported recent heroin use.
- Non-prescribed cannabis use remains common: 59% of the sample reported recent use (down from 68% in 2024).
- Cocaine use was reported by 13% of the sample in 2025, with relatively low frequency.
- Some reported non‑prescribed use of pharmaceutical opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone) and other medications — though these were lower and largely stable or declining compared with previous years.
Polydrug Use & Associated Risks
- Over 60% of participants said they used two or more drugs on the day before interview.
- Nearly 60% reported bingeing on drugs for 48 hours or more in the prior six months.
- Injecting remained common among those using methamphetamine or opioids. Some reported reuse of equipment, and around 28% experienced injection‑related problems (e.g., infections) in the previous month.
- Overdose remains a real concern: 14% of the sample reported at least one overdose in the past year.
What This Means for Business and Workplace Safety in Tasmania
Many employers might assume that people using illicit drugs are unlikely to hold steady jobs — especially in safety‑sensitive industries. However, research shows the reality can be very different.
For example, one recent study found that 4 per cent of employed workers reported methamphetamine use in the past 12 months — higher than in those not in paid employment. Use was concentrated in industries such as hospitality, construction, transport, and trades. Another national study estimated that about 7% of workers use illicit drugs weekly, with certain industries — for example construction — showing higher prevalence.
For employers, safety managers, and businesses with safety‑sensitive roles, these findings carry important implications:
- With high rates of methamphetamine use in Tasmania and polydrug use, workers may be impaired even if they appear fine. This can affect safety, productivity, and workplace liability.
- Injection use, overdose risk, and polydrug use raise the stakes for safety and health. Employers need robust drug and alcohol management policies.
- Reactive measures alone aren’t enough. Scheduled or random workplace drug testing in your Tasmanian business can help identify risks before they result in harm, especially when drug use is frequent and varied.
- Given the mixture of stimulant, opioid, and cannabis use documented, workplaces should consider broad‑spectrum drug testing rather than focusing on one, two or three substances.
- Many using illicit drugs may also benefit from support, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Employers who provide this support, either in-house or externally, may reduce harm and support employees’ wellbeing.
By aligning workplace drug testing programs with current local data — such as those from the 2025 Tasmanian Drug Trends report — businesses can better protect staff, comply with safety obligations, and contribute to community wellbeing.
Why Integrity Sampling Tasmania Is Your Workplace Drug Testing Partner
At Integrity Sampling Tasmania, we understand the unique context of drug use in Tasmania. We serve employers across the state with reliable, professional drug testing services. We have three locations: in Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport.
Whether you manage a small business, a regional operation, or a large workforce, we can help you design and implement a drug and alcohol management plan grounded in real data. The 2025 Tas Drug Trends findings highlight why a proactive approach matters — and why now is the time to act.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
The 2025 Tasmanian Drug Trends 2025 outlines current patterns in illicit drug use across Tasmania. Discover why workplace drug testing matters now more than ever. Credit Steven Penton https://tinyurl.com/2pyz8be6 (image modified).
