WA has recorded the dubious title of being named the country’s methamphetamine-related death capital, with research showing the State accounted for one-quarter of total drug deaths nationwide.

A study from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre found the number of meth-connected deaths in Australia doubled between 2009 and 2015.

The paper, which used statistics from coroners, counted 1649 meth-related deaths around Australia.

Deaths came in the form of suicide, overdose and cardiac disease, and stroke attributed to usage of the drug.

Camera Icon Almost one-quarter of the methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia were WA. Credit: PR IMAGE

Lead author Shane Darke said the statistics would have been higher had they taken account of violent deaths and homicides when a person was killed by someone with meth in their system.

Though WA accounts for just 10 per cent of the nation’s total population, almost one-quarter of the methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia were in the State.

“I was surprised to see the sheer number of cases coming out of WA,” Professor Darke said. “We knew there was a problem but this is extraordinary.”

The study also confirmed police warnings that the use of meth was just as big a problem in rural areas as in cities, with about 40 per cent of deaths counted in regional areas.

Play Video A new report has found another capital city now has the biggest users of the drug. The West Australian Video A new report has found another capital city now has the biggest users of the drug.

He said that trend marked meth as different from other deadly drugs such as heroin, which were mostly problems in city areas.

Suicide accounted for about 13 per cent of the deaths recorded. The study found meth-affected people were choosing more violent ways to end their lives.

“Health professionals need to be aware of the prominent role of violent suicide and take appropriate steps to monitor methamphetamine users,” Professor Darke said.

He said that without better intervention, Australia would have rising rates of death from cardiovascular issues and stroke as meth users got older.

Data from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission released last week showed meth use in WA might be slowing and the State no longer had the highest rate of use of the drug. The study, which analysed wastewater, suggested Adelaide was the nation’s biggest user of the drug.

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14