A recent report from the New Zealand Drug Foundation shows that Cocaine use is on the rise across NZ, despite record seizures of the drug by police and customs.
In 2022/23, 1.3% of NZ’s adult population (around 560,000 people) reported using cocaine at least once in the past year. This compares to 0.6% in 2017/18.
Compared to the previous three years’ average daily consumption, cocaine use in 2022/23 grew by 93%.
NOTE - Because the increases in cocaine use have started from a very low baseline, the numbers are small and subject to fluctuations. As such, changing trends should be treated with caution and cocaine consumption data should continue to be monitored.
The report also shows that cocaine use varies around the country, but it has more than doubled in every region between 2021/22 and 2022/23. Per capita, cocaine consumption is highest in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The Eastern district had the largest percentage rise (450%) in the rate of cocaine use to an average 12mg/day/1000 population, however, rates remain far below those of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Per capita, cocaine use was more than 2.5 times higher in Tāmaki Makaurau than in any other region (97mg/day/1000 population).
The region with the next highest prevalence was Bay of Plenty (37mg/day/1000 people).
The uptick in cocaine usage is most likely due to a significant increase in the international production and supply of the drug, with many users reporting it is becoming easier to obtain. This is especially the case in the urban or densely populated areas of Aotearoa; and especially in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Also of note, cocaine usage is much more common among men than women.
Click here for the full report.
Cocaine use poses a significant safety risk for workplaces. Workers affected by cocaine may be unsafe as they may take more risks, show signs of aggression, anxiety, or exhaustion. To help manage this risk, it is recommended that workplaces have a robust drug and alcohol policy in place, implement regular testing and support the program through ongoing training and education of the workforce.
DASA-NZ has the experience and the expertise to help your organization effectively manage drug and alcohol risk in your workplace and cocaine in particular. To find out more, contact us today via email to sales@dasa-nz.co.nz or call us on 0800 000 011.
DASA-NZ (Drug and Alcohol Solutions New Zealand) is proud to be leading the way in workplace drug and alcohol testing services throughout New Zealand. Whether your need is for workplace drug and workplace alcohol testing, advice on drug and alcohol policy or ideas on how to communicate your workplace expectations, policies and procedures to your staff, DASA-NZ can help. We have the experience, technical expertise and people to lead you to the right solution.
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