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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Daisy Dumas

Australians’ appetite for ketamine hits record high as alcohol consumption drops

Ketamine seized by Australian federal police in 2023
Ketamine seized by Australian federal police in 2023. The drug has gone from being diverted from pharmaceutical supplies to being manufactured under clandestine conditions, according to Dr Rachel Sutherland from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre Photograph: Australian federal police

Australians are consuming less cocaine and alcohol than they were last year while ketamine use is at an all-time high, according to levels of drugs detected in sewers.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission released its latest national wastewater drug monitoring program report on Tuesday, detailing the use of 12 drugs among half of the country’s population across capital cities and regional areas.

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