QUEENSLAND DRUG TRENDS 2023 - Key Findings from the Queensland Ecstasy and

Frequency of use significantly The majority of the sample (92%; n=94) of the increased in the median number of days from Brisbane/Gold Coast sample reported two days in 2022 to three days in 2023 concurrent use of two or more drugs on the last (p=0.043). [...] Face-to-face and social networking applications were the most popular means of Eighty-seven per cent of the sample reported participants arranging the purchase of illicit or engaging in some form of sexual activity in the non-prescribed drugs in the 12 months past four weeks, of which 27% reported preceding interview (68% and 72%, penetrative sex without a condom where they respectively). [...] Recent Use (past 6 months) In 2023, the number of participants reporting use of any form of ecstasy in the six months prior to the interview remained stable compared to 2022 (95%; 93% in 2022; p=0.767) (Figure 4). [...] Of those who reported recent use ecstasy pills and commented (n=33), the most and responded (n=56), the median maximum common route of administration in 2023 was number of capsules used in a session was three swallowing (100%; 97% in 2022), followed by (IQR=2-5; 3 capsules in 2022, IQR=2-5; snorting (18%; 14% in 2022; p=0.745), p=0.832). [...] Recent Use (past 6 months): Over half (56%, n=57) of participants reported use of ecstasy Quantity: Of those who reported recent use crystal in the six months prior to the interview and responded (n=33), the median number of in 2023, with no significant change from pills used in a ‘typical’ session was two pills reported use in 2022 (55%).