Wastewater data suggests meth use is at a record high. Here's why we don't need to panic

And they don't always move in the same direction at the same time.Long-running population survey data show a decrease in the prevalence of methamphetamine use over the past 15 years. Other data shows harms have increased, such as more people needing treatment and more ambulance call-outs for methamphetamine. We have also seen a shift toward more potent forms of the drug and more intensive use among a smaller group of people.That pattern fits with the wastewater increases.The same caution applies to cocaine Wastewater data shows a steady rise, but we can't tell whether this reflects increased use by people who already use cocaine or an increase in new users.Based on other data — including the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, which shows increases in people trying the drug — it's likely to be both.One question that often comes up is whether increases in stimulant prescriptions, such as those used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), could be influencing wastewater results.There has been a significant increase in prescription amphetamines such as short and long-acting dexamphetamine for ADHD.Wastewater can't easily distinguish between illicit and prescribed amphetamines.But the scale of increase seen in the volume of methamphetamine is unlikely to be explained by prescription use alone.The wastewater report suggests MDMA use may be levelling off after earlier peaks