Current indicators suggest cocaine availability and use in Australia may remain elevated in the near term in the context of global production, strong demand, and the profitability of the Australian market, although future trends cannot be predicted with certainty. Wastewater data, seizures, and reports of perceived availability all point to a growing and more established cocaine market in Australia.
It is important to note that current cocaine use in Australia remains mostly occasional rather than frequent. However, increased availability and, as a result, potential reductions in price may contribute to broader uptake and more frequent use over time. From a public health perspective, increasing population-level use may lead to greater exposure to cocaine-related harms, including cardiovascular and mental health problems, toxicity, and polysubstance use, and may place additional pressure on emergency departments, hospitals, and alcohol and other drug treatment services over time. Adulteration with substances such as opioids may also increase overdose risk, particularly if supply patterns change.
These trends highlight the importance of continued monitoring of cocaine markets and related harms, expanding harm reduction measures such as drug checking and timely public risk communication systems, and investing in research and service development to identify effective treatment approaches for cocaine-related problems and ensure timely access to care where needed.