Stimulant Use Disorder: Addiction Treatment for Veterans

Substance Use

Stimulant Use Disorder

What is stimulant use disorder?

Stimulant use disorder is the continued use of stimulants despite harm to the person using them. Stimulants include cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly), and prescription drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin. These drugs are classified as stimulants because they increase the level of activity that occurs in the body’s central nervous system.

In recent years, the rate of fatal overdose when using stimulants has increased. For people who use cocaine and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine, more than half the deaths also involved fentanyl or other opioids.

Signs and symptoms of stimulant use disorder

People who misuse stimulants can experience many side effects, including:

• Elevated heart rate.
• Dilated pupils.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Sweating or chills.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Chest pain.

Take this brief and anonymous questionnaire if you are concerned about your stimulant use. Your results are completely confidential and will not be stored or sent anywhere—this is simply a self-assessment for your own use. You will have the option to print a copy of the results, either for your records or to share with your physician or a mental health professional.

This screening tool is just a guide. If your result is positive or you have concerns about your substance use, even if the screening result is negative, reach out to your health care provider.

Effects of stimulant use disorder

Unhealthy use of stimulants—such as using them without medical supervision or taking them for longer, in higher doses, or more frequently than prescribed—can lead to serious, dangerous and potentially fatal health consequences, including:

• Heart attack.
• Stroke.
• Severe weight loss or dental problems.
• Violent behavior and psychosis.
• Paranoia, anxiety and confusion.
• Loss of productivity at work.
• Overdose.
• Premature death.

Treatment for stimulant use disorder

Recovery is possible. No matter what you are experiencing, treatments and resources are available. VA offers evidence-based treatments for stimulant use disorder  that are proven to be effective for most people. While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for stimulant use disorder, there are other effective, evidence-based behavioral treatments, such as contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Veterans using nonprescribed stimulants should also talk to their health care provider about having a medication called naloxone on hand. Naloxone is designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and is important to have because nonprescribed stimulants are frequently mixed with the opioid fentanyl—which can be deadly even in small doses.

Get started today by visiting our Treatment and Next Steps page, which will help you:

• Learn more about the treatment options.
• Schedule a mental health appointment with VA.
• Find local VA treatment programs.

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