WESTERN AUSTRALIAN DRUG TRENDS 2023 - Key Findings from the Western Australian Ecstasy and

perceived availability of ecstasy pills, capsules and powder in 2023 relative to 2022 (p=0.003; Sample Characteristics p<0.001; p=0.045, respectively), with increases The Perth EDRS sample (N=100) was similar to in the per cent reporting ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ the sample in 2022 and in previous years. [...] months preceding interview, and one o In 2023, 43% reported that they or someone quarter (24%) of the sample reported else had tested the content and/or purity of experiencing stigma in any health/non their illicit drugs in Australia in the past year health setting in the six months preceding (stable from 48% in 2022). [...] Seven per cent of the 2023 Perth sample completed the interview in 2022, and 13% of the 2022 Perth sample completed the interview in 2021 (p=0.243). [...] Drug of choice remained stable between 2022 and 2023 (p=0.173), with 27% nominating cannabis as the drug of choice in 2023 (35% in 2022), followed by one quarter (26%) nominating ecstasy as the drug of choice (20% in 2022) and 12% nominating alcohol (21% in 2022) (Figure 1). [...] Frequency of Use Cocaine was used on a median of three days in the six months preceding interview in 2023 (IQR=1-6; n=62), stable from two days in 2022 (IQR=1-4; n=66; p=0.120), and consistent with the type of low frequency use typically observed in past years (Figure 22).