The illegal practice that Aussies just don’t want to stop – especially on a Friday night: ‘I like to live a hedonistic lifestyle’
- Cocaine use in Australia remains high
- It is despite the rising cost of living
Working Australians have revealed why they have no plans to kick their costly cocaine addiction, even as the cost of living and housing affordability worsen.
Australians consume five and a half tons of the illicit drug each year and are the world’s largest users per capita.
According to studies by the National Institute of Health, cocaine use in Australia has doubled since 2010 and quadrupled since 2004.
The studies also found that employed Aussies are more likely to use the illegal drug.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program found that an average of 910mg of cocaine is consumed each day by every 1,000 Sydneysiders, the highest number in the country.
Aussies consume five and a half tons of the illegal drug every year. Pictured are hustle and bustle in Sydney
The running price for a gram of cocaine is estimated to be $350 after reaching a record $420 per gram during the festive season last December.
“I’m not even trying to justify the cost anymore…I’m just doing it because I like it,” a Sydney man told me news.com.au.
“I like to live a hedonistic lifestyle and I will never be able to afford a house.
Another man added: “There’s no justification other than a good time and I think my friends have a k*t mentality when it comes to bag shopping.”
One woman admitted she stopped using cocaine because of the cost, while another said she no longer buys the drug and instead “spun off” friends.
The running price for a gram of cocaine is estimated to be $350 (stock image)
A 2021 National Drug and Alcohol Research Center study revealed an increase in cocaine availability, prevalence of use and hospitalizations in Australia, while calling for the need to promote harm reduction strategies.
“We also observed an increase in cocaine use among samples of people who regularly use ecstasy and other stimulants, with these individuals reporting that cocaine is more readily available,” said the lead author.
According to the Victorian Department of Health, high doses of cocaine can make drug users feel extremely agitated, paranoid and aggressive.
Other health effects include dizziness, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting, tremors and headache and heart problems.
Long-term use can lead to depression, psychosis and heart problems.
Cocaine has doubled since 2010 and quadrupled since 2004. Pictured is the police at Splendor in the Grass in 2022