Other drugs

While alcohol is the primary drug of concern, there is a significant level of illicit drug use in the Northern Territory (NT) particularly with cannabis and methylamphetamines (e.g. methamphetamine).

Other illicit substances seen in the NT include:

cocaine
MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine commonly referred to as ecstasy or molly)
MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine commonly referred to as sally)
gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
heroin (opioid)
psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD or acid).

Nitazenes are potent synthetic opioids that may be sold as a primary drug or, more commonly, found as a contaminant in other illicit drugs. These compounds are up to 50 times more potent than fentanyl therefore poses an extremely high risk for overdose. Fentanyl is also misused and is either stolen from health services or sourced on the black market. Read more about Nitazenes on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

Kava misuse is concentrated in East Arnhem. More information about Kava is on the Northern Territory Government website.

Volatile substances are also commonly misused and pose greater risks when mixed with other medication or illegal drugs. Find out more about volatile substances.

Detailed information on a wide range of substances can be found on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

The NT adopts a harm minimisation policy approach promoting a clear recognition that recreational drug use carries substantial risks, and that drug-users (and their families) require a range of supports to progressively reduce drug-related harm to themselves and the general community. This policy approach does not condone drug use but rather seeking to reduce use and associated harms over time.

National illicit drug alert warning sites such as The Know provide useful awareness of current trends.

Cannabis

Cannabis is the general name for drugs produced from the cannabis sativa plant like marijuana, hashish (hash) and hashish oil. It also covers:

Medicinal cannabis prescribed by a doctor to relieve the symptoms of a medical condition. Given how straightforward it is to access the boundary between medical and recreational use is quite blurry.
Synthetic cannabis is any substance designed to mimic the effects of the main psycho-active ingredient delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Common names include kronic, spice and northern lights.

Levels of THC in cannabis products have been steadily rising from approximately 4% in 1995 to well over 16% currently. Some products such as ‘dabs’ or ‘shatter’ may have concentrations as high as 90%. High-potency THC products (like concentrates and isolates) are more likely to cause dependency, cognitive impairments, and adverse effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis, especially in vulnerable populations or heavy users.

The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, based at the University of NSW, has interactive workshops for professionals, using the latest evidenced-based information and interventions into cannabis use.

Further information on synthetic cannabis in the NT is available in the synthetic cannabis fact sheet DOCX (61.1 KB).

For more information about support, go to the Cannabis Support website.

Methamphetamine (methamphetamine or meth)

Meth is a synthetic stimulant drug that typically comes in 3 different forms (ice, base, and speed) that vary in their appearance and potency. Generally, ice is the most potent form and speed the least powerful. There is a substantial risk of dependence particularly with ice and a wide range of long-term side effects including malnutrition, dental problems, muscle weakness/ stiffness and behavioural changes (anxiety, depression, psychosis).

As part of the national drug strategy, a national ice action strategy was developed in 2015. Learnings from the 2021 evaluation can help guide current strategies. Read the evaluation of the national ice action strategy final report on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Another valuable resource is the Cracks in the Ice website.

This aims to increase community and health sector understanding about the effects of drug use, targeting those most at risk as well as improving access to telephone information, counselling and follow-up services.

Legislation

The Misuse of Drugs Act provides for the laws relating to the use and supply of illicit drugs.

Read the Act and Regulations:

Kava

Kava is a member of the pepper plant family, which contains the psychoactive ingredient kavalactones and acts as a central nervous system depressant. Effects of kava are dose related and include:

short-term: muscle relaxation, drowsiness, and feelings of well-being
intoxication effects: sedation, muscle weakness, reduced coordination, fatigue, and liver stress; higher doses can result in paralysis of limbs, involuntary movement, deafness, dilated pupils, and deep sleep
long-term effects: skin changes (crocodile skin), weight loss, gut issues, chronic red eyes, impotence, poor overall health, and fatigue.

For general information about kava, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

Legislation

The Kava Management Act prohibits and regulates the cultivation, manufacture, production, possession and supply of kava.

Read the Act and Regulations.

Legal medications

The NT also has high rates of people who misuse pharmaceutical drugs that have been originally prescribed to them, or to other people, for legitimate purposes.

Pharmaceuticals commonly misused include:

opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, and fentanyl
benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium)
stimulant medications used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy such as dexamphetamine and modafinil
gabapentinoids such as pregabalin
medicinal cannabis products
ketamine.

Opioid use affects the part of the brain which regulates breathing and excessive dosage is life threatening - evidenced by pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, and breathing difficulty. Emergency treatment for an overdose of opioids is administration of naloxone. Increasing access to naloxone is an important public health measure. Read more about the Take Home Naloxone program on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.