Posts

SAMSHA: Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders (2021)

This Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) reviews what is currently known about treating the medical, psychiatric, and SUD-related problems associated with the use of cocaine and methamphetamine (MA) and the misuse of prescribed stimulants (such as those for the treatment of attention defcit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]). Read more

#ScaleUP initiative

#ScaleUp is a new initiative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It builds on previous work and publications of UNODC, partner agencies and international researchers, such as the Discussion Paper on “Stimulant Use Disorders: Current Practices and Current Perspectives” (UNODC, 2019). This document calls for the scale up of effective psychosocial treatment, as well as increased research on pharmacological treatment options with a view to increase treatment engagement, treatment retention and effective treatment options for stimulant dependence. Read more

Signals of increasing co-use of stimulants and opioids from online drug forum data

Despite recent rises in fatal overdoses involving multiple substances, there is a paucity of knowledge about stimulant co-use patterns among people who use opioids (PWUO) or people being treated with medications for opioid use disorder (PTMOUD). A better understanding of the timing and patterns in stimulant co-use among PWUO based on mentions of these substances on social media can help inform prevention programs, policy, and future research directions. This study examines stimulant co-mention trends among PWUO/PTMOUD on social media over multiple years. Read more

Overdose and acute intoxication prevention and management

Very high doses of stimulant drugs consumed in a short amount of time can trigger acute respiratory distress, chest pain, palpitations or myocardial infarctions. In extreme cases this can result in cardiac arrest. Read more