An overview of amphetamine use and abuse emphasizes that amphetamine use is escalating in Australia to the point where it is becoming important in the drug scene. Of the total drug offender group, 80 percent were men and 65 percent were aged 20 to 29 years. Residents of central Melbourne were overrepresented in the drug offender population, over one-third of the offenders were unemployed, and over one-quarter were in trades or laboring jobs. One-third of these offenders were charged with offenses involving more than one drug. Amphetamine and heroin offenses each accounted for l5 percent of all drugs involved and l9 percent of drug offenders. Cannabis contributed to 72 percent of the cases. Amphetamine offenders were more likely to be women, unemploued, live in high or middle-class areas, and polydrug users than other drug offenders. Cannabis offenders were more likely to be men and employed than other offenders and less likely to have a criminal history. Over half of the heroin offenders were unemployed, and 62 percent had a criminal history. Amphetamine abuse seems less likely to result in physical, medical, or criminal complications than abuse of many other drugs, although it may lead to to dependence and psychosis. The law which prohibits even medical use of amphetamines has led to increased local illicit production. The report recommends measures to control amphetamine use. Tables, approximately 70 references, and an index are provided.