Condition Header Background

What is Stimulant Use Disorder?

LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:

Stimulant Use Disorder can develop very quickly, in just a few weeks, especially with smoking and intravenous use. Drastic personality changes follow just as fast. Heavy stimulant users are hard to miss. To an observer, they appear restless, talkative, euphoric, grandiose, anxious, and may have bizarre behaviors or violent outbursts. Stimulant users tend to go on binges, using frequently for several days in a row while relinquishing food and sleep. These are followed by a few days of abstinence, characterized by increased sleep and appetite, and after, the cycle begins again.

The new edition of the DSM consolidates all stimulant use disorders (such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs) into one category because of their similar effects and diagnostic profiles. In the short term, stimulants increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. They can even cause chest pain similar to a heart attack. Stimulant use also leads to a short-term increased risk of heart attack, heart arrhythmia, and respiratory difficulties, even in otherwise healthy individuals. It can also cause placental abnormalities and miscarriage in pregnant women. Chronic stimulant users become psychotic and experience paranoid delusions and hallucinations. These disturbances can last for years even after drug use has stopped.

What to look for

Signs of methamphetamine use include scattered scabs (from picking in response to hallucinations of things under the skin) and poor dentition (“meth mouth”) from dry mouth and lack of oral hygiene. Long term methamphetamine use impairs attention and working memory. It blunts the sensation of pleasure so that chronic users derive joy from nothing but the drug.

Cocaine has it’s own set of hallmarks. Users get frequent nosebleeds and chronic runny nose from snorting and respiratory tract irritation from smoking. Long term use of cocaine increases the risk of stroke (as does methamphetamine) and seizures, and damages and weakens heart muscle. All stimulants lead to weight loss, and intravenous use can lead to infection and risk of HIV and viral hepatitis.

FIND A PROVIDER

 

Types of Substance Use Disorders

Wondering about a possible disorder but not sure? Let’s explore your symptoms.

IDENTIFY YOUR SYMPTOMS
References
  1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Diagnostic Features, paragraph 2; subsection Development and Course, paragraph 4; subsection Associated Features Supporting Diagnosis, paragraph 1]
  2. Preda, A. 2015. Stimulants. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289007-overview#showall. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on section Clinical Presentation, subsection History, paragraph 1; subsection Mental status examination(during stimulant intoxication)]
  3. NIDA. 2016. Methamphetamine: How is methamphetamine abused?. Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/how-methamphetamine-abused. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation s on paragraph 3]
  4. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Diagnostic Features, paragraph 3]
  5. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Diagnostic Features, paragraph 1]
  6. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Functional Consequences of Stimulant Use DIsorder, paragraph 2]
  7. Preda, A. 2015. Stimulants. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289007-overview#showall. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on section Background, paragraph 1]
  8. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Functional Consequences of Stimulant Use DIsorder, paragraph 2]
  9. Preda, A. 2015. Stimulants. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289007-overview#showall. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on section Clinical Presentation, subsection History, paragraph 1]
  10. Barr AM, Panenka WJ, MacEwan GW. The need for speed: an update on methamphetamine addiction. Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN. 31(5):301-13. 2006. [Citation is on p.6, section Cognitive effects of MA use, paragraph 3]
  11. NIDA. 2016. Methamphetamine: What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse? Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-are-long-term-effects-methamphetamine-abuse. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation s on paragraph 7]
  12. Barr AM, Panenka WJ, MacEwan GW. The need for speed: an update on methamphetamine addiction. Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN. 31(5):301-13. 2006. [Citation is on p.6, section Cognitive effects of MA use, paragraph 1]
  13. NIDA. 2016. Methamphetamine: What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse?. Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-are-long-term-effects-methamphetamine-abuse. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation s on paragraph 2]
  14. NIDA. 2016. Cocaine: What are the long-term effects of cocaine use? Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-long-term-effects-cocaine-use. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on paragraph 4]
  15. NIDA. 2016. Cocaine: What are the long-term effects of cocaine use? Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-long-term-effects-cocaine-use. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on paragraph 5,6]
  16. NIDA. 2016. Methamphetamine: What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse?. Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-are-long-term-effects-methamphetamine-abuse. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation s on paragraph 6]
  17. MedlinePlus. 2014. Substance use – amphetamines. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000792.htm. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on section Harmful Effects of Amphetamines, paragraph 2]
  18. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. Primary methamphetamine/amphetamine admissions to substance abuse treatment: 2005. The DASIS Report. Rockville, MD, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, February 7, 2008. Available at http://www.samhsa.gov/data/2k8/methamphetamineTX/meth.htm. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on section Demographic Characteristics, paragraph 1]
  19. Wagner, F. A., & Anthony, J. C. (2002). From first drug use to drug dependence: developmental periods of risk for dependence upon marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol. [Citation is on p.5, paragraph 1]
  20. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2015). Behavioral health trends in the United States:Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 15-4927, NSDUH Series H-50). [Citation p.14, section Cocaine Use, paragraph 1; p.12, section Stimulants and Methamphetamine, paragraph 2]
  21. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2015). Behavioral health trends in the United States:Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 15-4927, NSDUH Series H-50). [Citation p.15, sections sections Aged 18 to 25, and Aged 26 or Older; p.13-14, sections Aged 18 to 25, and Aged 26 or Older]
  22. Wagner, F. A., & Anthony, J. C. (2002). From first drug use to drug dependence: developmental periods of risk for dependence upon marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol. [Citation is on p.6, paragraph 3]
  23. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. Primary methamphetamine/amphetamine admissions to substance abuse treatment: 2005. The DASIS Report. Rockville, MD, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, February 7, 2008. Available at http://www.samhsa.gov/data/2k8/methamphetamineTX/meth.htm. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on section Demographic Characteristics, paragraph 1]
  24. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64333/?report=classic. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on ch.2, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64328/, section Stimulant Abuse and the Brain, subsection The Limbic Reward System, paragraph 1]
  25. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64333/?report=classic. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on ch.2, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64328/, section Stimulant Abuse and the Brain, subsection Stimulants’ Mechanisms of Action, paragraph 1,2]
  26. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Development and Course, paragraph 2]
  27. Herman-Stahl MA, Krebs CP, Kroutil LA, Heller DC. Risk and protective factors for methamphetamine use and nonmedical use of prescription stimulants among young adults aged 18 to 25. Addictive behaviors. 32(5):1003-15. 2007. [Citation is on p.9, paragraph 2; p.10, paragraph 3]
  28. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Development and Course, paragraph 4]
  29. Herman-Stahl MA, Krebs CP, Kroutil LA, Heller DC. Risk and protective factors for methamphetamine use and nonmedical use of prescription stimulants among young adults aged 18 to 25. Addictive behaviors. 32(5):1003-15. 2007. [Citation is on p.11, paragraph 3]
  30. Russell K, Dryden DM, Liang Y. Risk factors for methamphetamine use in youth: a systematic review. BMC pediatrics. 8:48. 2008. [Citation is on p.8, section Discussion and conclusion, paragraph 2]
  31. Green AI, Halkitis PN. Crystal methamphetamine and sexual sociality in an urban gay subculture: an elective affinity. Culture, health & sexuality. 8(4):317-33. 2006.[Citation is on p.12, section DIscussion, paragraph 1]
  32. Green AI, Halkitis PN. Crystal methamphetamine and sexual sociality in an urban gay subculture: an elective affinity. Culture, health & sexuality. 8(4):317-33. 2006.[Citation is on p.12, section Discussion, paragraph 1,3]
  33. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Diagnostic Features, paragraph 1]
  34. MedlinePlus. 2016. Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601234.html. Accessed 10/1/16. [Citation is on section What is this medication prescribed?, paragraph 1]
  35. MedlinePlus. 2016. Methylphenidate. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682188.html. Accessed 10/1/16. [Citation is on section What is this medication prescribed?, paragraph 1]
  36. Preda, A. 2015. Stimulants. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289007-overview#showall. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on section Types of Stimulants, subsection Other stimulants, paragraph 14]
  37. Medscape. 2016. Pseudoephedrine (OTC), Warnings. Available at http://reference.medscape.com/drug/sudafed-nexafed-pseudoephedrine-343412#5. Accessed 10/1/16. [Citation is on section Cautions, paragraph 5]
  38. Preda, A. 2015. Stimulants. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289007-overview#showall. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on section Types of Stimulants, subsection Other stimulants, paragraph 14]
  39. NIDA. 2016. Cocaine: How is cocaine used?. Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/how-cocaine-abused. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on paragraph 1]
  40. Elkashef A, Vocci F, Hanson G, White J, Wickes W, Tiihonen J. Pharmacotherapy of methamphetamine addiction: an update. Substance abuse. 29(3):31-49. 2008. [Citation is on p.2, section Introduction, paragraph 2]
  41. NIDA. 2016. Cocaine: How is cocaine used?. Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/how-cocaine-abused. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on paragraph 1]
  42. Elkashef A, Vocci F, Hanson G, White J, Wickes W, Tiihonen J. Pharmacotherapy of methamphetamine addiction: an update. Substance abuse. 29(3):31-49. 2008. [Citation is on p.2, section Introduction, paragraph 2]
  43. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Diagnostic Criteria, Criterion A]
  44. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Diagnostic Criteria]
  45. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Diagnostic Criteria, Severity Criteria]
  46. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Diagnostic Criteria, Remission Criteria]
  47. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [Citation is in section Stimulant Use Disorder, subsection Diagnostic Criteria, Remission Criteria]
  48. Rawson RA, Marinelli-Casey P, Anglin MD. A multi-site comparison of psychosocial approaches for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 99(6):708-17. 2004.[Citation is on p.2, section Introduction, paragraph 2]
  49. Rawson RA, McCann MJ. The Matrix Institute on Addictions. (2014). The Matrix Model of Intensive Outpatient Treatment. Available at http://www.matrixinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Matrix_Model-Description-and-Outcomes-Research.pdf. Accessed 9/29/16. [Citation is on p.4-5, paragraph 3]
  50. Cocaine Anonymous. 2015. About CA. Available at https://ca.org/about-ca/. Accessed 9/29/16. [Citation is on paragraphs 3,4]
  51. Narcotics Anonymous. 2016. Information about NA. Available at http://na.org/?ID=PR-index. Accessed 9/29/16. [CItation is on paragraph 1]
  52. NIDA. 2016. Cocaine: How is cocaine addiction treated? Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-treatments-are-effective-cocaine-abusers. Accessed 9/29/16. [Citation is on paragraph 15]
  53. Cocaine Anonymous. 2015. A Guide to the 12 Steps. Available at https://ca.org/literature/guide-to-the-12-steps/. Accessed 9/29/16. [Citation is on section STEP TWELVE, paragraph 1]
  54. Penberthy JK, Ait-Daoud N, Vaughan M, Fanning T. Review of treatment for cocaine dependence. Current drug abuse reviews. 3(1):49-62. 2010. [Citation is on p.4, section CBT, paragraph 1,2]
  55. Carroll KM, Ball SA, Martino S, Nich C, Babuscio TA, Rounsaville BJ. Enduring effects of a computer-assisted training program for cognitive behavioral therapy: a 6-month follow-up of CBT4CBT. Drug and alcohol dependence. 100(1-2):178-81. 2009. [Citation is on p.1-2, section Introduction, paragraph 1]
  56. Penberthy JK, Ait-Daoud N, Vaughan M, Fanning T. Review of treatment for cocaine dependence. Current drug abuse reviews. 3(1):49-62. 2010. [Citation is on p.4, section CBT, paragraph 3]
  57. Lee NK, Rawson RA. A systematic review of cognitive and behavioural therapies for methamphetamine dependence. Drug and alcohol review. 27(3):309-17. 2008. [Citation is on p.4, section Contingency Management, paragraph 1]
  58. Penberthy JK, Ait-Daoud N, Vaughan M, Fanning T. Review of treatment for cocaine dependence. Current drug abuse reviews. 3(1):49-62. 2010. [Citation is on p.6, paragraph 2]
  59. Somaini L, Donnini C, Raggi MA, et al. Promising medications for cocaine dependence treatment. Recent Pat CNS Drug Discov. 2011;6(2):146-60. [Citation is on p.1, section Introduction, paragraph 2]
  60. Elkashef A, Vocci F, Hanson G, White J, Wickes W, Tiihonen J. Pharmacotherapy of methamphetamine addiction: an update. Substance abuse. 29(3):31-49. 2008. [Citation is on p.1, section Abstract, paragraph 1]
  61. Elkashef A, Vocci F, Hanson G, White J, Wickes W, Tiihonen J. Pharmacotherapy of methamphetamine addiction: an update. Substance abuse. 29(3):31-49. 2008. [Citation is on p.6, paragraph 2,4]
  62. Somaini L, Donnini C, Raggi MA, et al. Promising medications for cocaine dependence treatment. Recent Pat CNS Drug Discov. 2011;6(2):146-60. [Citation is on p.4, section Methylphenidate, paragraph 1,2]
  63. Somaini L, Donnini C, Raggi MA, et al. Promising medications for cocaine dependence treatment. Recent Pat CNS Drug Discov. 2011;6(2):146-60. [Citation is on p.8, paragraph 1; p.5, paragraph 7]
  64. Penberthy JK, Ait-Daoud N, Vaughan M, Fanning T. Review of treatment for cocaine dependence. Current drug abuse reviews. 3(1):49-62. 2010. [Citation is on p.5, paragraph 3]
  65. Cocaine Anonymous. 2015. About CA. Available at https://ca.org/about-ca/. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on paragraphs 5,6]
  66. Narcotics Anonymous. 2016. Information about NA. Available at http://na.org/?ID=PR-index. Accessed 9/29/16. [CItation is on paragraph 1]
  67. NIDA. 2016. Cocaine: What are the long-term effects of cocaine use? Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-long-term-effects-cocaine-use. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation is on paragraph 4]
  68. NIDA. 2016. Methamphetamine: What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse?. Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-are-long-term-effects-methamphetamine-abuse. Accessed 9/28/16. [Citation s on paragraph 6]
  69. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64333/?report=classic. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on ch.5, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64323/, section Identification and Management of Medical Complications, subsection Infections, paragraphs 1,2; subsection HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, paragraphs 1,2]
  70. Donaldson, M., & Goodchild, J. H. (2006). Oral health of the methamphetamine abuser. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 63(21), 2078-2082. [Citation is on p.3, paragraph 3; p.4, paragraph 2]
  71. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64333/?report=classic. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on ch.4, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64334/, section Strategies to Maintain Abstinence, subsection Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms, paragraph 1]
  72. NIDA. 2016. Methamphetamine: What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse?. Available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-are-long-term-effects-methamphetamine-abuse. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on paragraph 4]
  73. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64333/?report=classic. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on ch.4, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64334/, section Strategies to Maintain Abstinence, subsection Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms, paragraph 1,3]
  74. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64333/?report=classic. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on ch.4, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64334/, section Strategies to Maintain Abstinence, subsection Predictable Relapse Scenarios, bullet 5]
  75. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64333/?report=classic. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on ch.4, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64334/, section Strategies to Maintain Abstinence, subsection Need for New Activities, paragraph 1]
  76. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64333/?report=classic. Accessed 10/4/16. [Citation is on ch.4, available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64334/, section Other Strategies Useful in Maintaining Abstinence, paragraphs 3,4]