Key findings

• Younger participants were more likely to be female and have been in drug treatment for less than twelve months whilst older participants were more likely to have a prison history.
• Younger participants reported initiating injecting earlier than older participants.
• Patterns of drug use were similar, although younger participants were more likely to have ever used the more potent forms of methamphetamine, base and ice.
• Frequency of drug use was similar among the younger and older IDU, though younger participants reported using cannabis more frequently than older participants.
• Younger participants were more likely to report engaging in risk behaviours and harm associated with their drug use.
• Younger participants were also more likely to report a lifetime diagnosis of asthma, while older participants were more likely to report arthritis.

Resources

• IDRS December 2009.pdf