3.4.2. SPOTTING STIMULANT USE DISORDER, STIMULANT INTOXICATION, STIMULANT WITHDRAWAL: HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RED FLAGS
How to recognize stimulant use disorder?
Stimulant Use Disorder (StUD) refers to a pattern of using stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine that leads to significant problems in daily life.
To be diagnosed, at least two of the following signs must occur within a year:
- Taking more of the stimulant or using it longer than was intended.
- Wanting to cut down or stop using but being unable to do so.
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the stimulant.
- Strong cravings or urges to use the stimulant.
- Ongoing use despite it causing problems at work, school, or home.
- Continuing use even when it causes relationship or social issues.
- Giving up important activities because of stimulant use.
- Using the stimulant in dangerous situations.
- Using despite knowing it’s worsening a physical or mental health problem.
- Developing tolerance, needing more to feel the effects or feeling less effect with the same amount.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms or using the stimulant to avoid them.
Health risks of stimulant use disorder
Stimulant use disorder can lead to a variety of serious health issues depending on how the drugs are consumed.
- People who snort stimulants may experience chronic sinus problems, nosebleeds, and even a perforated nasal septum.
- Smoking stimulants often cause respiratory issues such as coughing, bronchitis, and lung infections.
- Injecting drugs leads to visible track marks, usually on the arms, and greatly increases the risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infections.
- Users often suffer from weight loss, malnutrition, chest pain, and, in severe cases, heart attacks, strokes, seizures, or sudden death due to respiratory or cardiac issues.
Stimulant intoxication: key signs and symptoms
Stimulant intoxication occurs with recent use of a stimulant like amphetamines, cocaine, or similar substances.
This can lead to noticeable changes in behavior and mental state, such as:
- Feeling overly happy or emotionally numb
- Being more sociable or overly alert
- Experiencing increased anxiety, tension, or anger
- Poor judgment and repetitive behaviors may also emerge during or soon after using these substances.
In addition to behavioral changes, physical symptoms often appear. These may include:
- A rapid or slowed heartbeat
- Enlarged pupils
- High or low blood pressure
- Sweating or feeling unusually cold
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Restlessness or slowed movements
- Muscle weakness, chest pain, or irregular heartbeats
- Confusion, seizures, or even loss of consciousness
If someone exhibits two or more of these signs after stimulant use, they may be experiencing stimulant intoxication, which can be serious and require medical attention.
Stimulant withdrawal: what to expect
When someone stops or cuts back on using stimulants like cocaine, amphetamines, or similar drugs after extended use, they may experience stimulant withdrawal.
This process can bring about intense sadness or dissatisfaction, along with several physical and emotional changes.
These may start within a few hours to a few days after stopping use.
Common symptoms include:
- Extreme tiredness
- Disturbing, vivid dreams
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- A noticeable increase in appetite
- Feeling unusually restless or sluggish
These withdrawal symptoms can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life, making it harder to work, socialize, or manage regular activities.
Importantly, these symptoms can’t be explained by any other health or mental condition, nor by withdrawal from a different substance.
If someone is experiencing these signs after stopping stimulant use, it’s essential to seek help and support.
