Stimulant Use Disorder

About Stimulant Use Disorder

Stimulant use disorder is a problematic pattern of use of stimulants, including cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamines and other stimulant drugs, leading to significant impairment or distress. Features include taking larger amounts than intended, strong craving, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, continued use despite harm, and tolerance and withdrawal, which can involve fatigue, increased sleep, vivid unpleasant dreams, increased appetite and low mood. Stimulant use can cause cardiovascular problems, sleep disruption, anxiety and paranoia, and in some cases psychosis. In recent years, contamination of the stimulant supply with potent opioids has contributed to rising overdose deaths in some countries. Psychosocial treatments are the mainstay, and contingency management, which provides tangible rewards for evidence of abstinence, has particularly strong research support, along with cognitive behavioral therapy and community reinforcement approaches. Research into medications is ongoing, but none is broadly established as a standard treatment.