Stimulant Use Disorder
Stimulant Use Disorder refers to a form of substance use disorder characterized by the non-medical consumption of stimulants. Continued usage of substances such as amphetamine-type drugs, cocaine, or other stimulants can result in significant impairment or distress, ranging from mild to severe.
Symptoms of Stimulant Use Disorder:
- Loss of control
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Experiencing social problems
- Negative impacts on health due to drug effects
Overview of Stimulant Use Disorder:
Stimulant Use Disorder encompasses various classes of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants. These substances have a profound impact on the central nervous system and possess high addictive potential.
Key Aspects of Stimulant Use Disorder:
- Initial Effects: Euphoria, increased energy, enhanced attention, wakefulness, heightened self-confidence, decreased appetite
- Risks: Increased susceptibility to infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C due to risky sexual behavior and unsafe injection practices
- Long-term Misuse: Weight loss, dental issues (e.g., bruxism, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene), sexual dysfunction
- Cognitive Impairment: Psychosis, aggressive behavior
- Overdose Risks: Hyperthermia, convulsions, arrhythmia, stroke, fatality
Historical Context and Epidemiology:
In the 1980s, methamphetamine (MA) use surged due to clandestine lab production. The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act was passed in 2005 to regulate precursor chemicals used in its production. Cocaine, derived from plants, varies in potency and is used for its anesthetic properties in certain surgeries. Prescription stimulants like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (e.g., Adderall, Dexedrine) and methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta) are categorized as Schedule II substances by the DEA. These stimulants are commonly prescribed for conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity but can be misused, leading to Stimulant Use Disorder. Epidemiological data indicates a significant increase in stimulant use disorders, with regional variability noted, particularly in the western and midwestern regions. Overdose deaths involving cocaine and stimulants, including MA, have seen a substantial rise between 2012 and 2018, as reported by the CDC.