Stimulant Use Disorders

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Stimulants 101 - The Fast Lane

  • Definition: Psychoactive drugs that induce temporary improvements in mental/physical functions. Cause ↑ alertness, energy, euphoria.
  • Common Examples:
    • Cocaine ("coke", "crack", "snow")
    • Amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Methamphetamine/"meth", MDMA/"ecstasy")
    • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
    • Modafinil
    • Khat (Catha edulis leaves)
  • Core Mechanism: Primarily potentiate catecholamines (Dopamine, Norepinephrine) by blocking reuptake or enhancing release.

Neurotransmitters and SUDs: Brain Regions and Affected Drugs

⭐ Formication (tactile hallucination of insects crawling on/under skin - "cocaine bugs" or "meth mites") is a characteristic psychotic symptom of chronic stimulant use.

Neurobiology - Brain's Dopamine Rush

  • Primary effect: ↑↑ Dopamine (DA) in brain's reward pathway.
  • Mechanism of Action (MOA):
    • Cocaine: Blocks Dopamine Transporter (DAT), preventing DA reuptake.
    • Amphetamines: Promote DA release from presynaptic terminals & block DAT.
  • Key Pathway: Mesolimbic System ("Reward Pathway").
    • Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) projects to Nucleus Accumbens (NAc).
    • NAc activation → intense euphoria, reinforcement, "rush".
    • Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) involvement: craving, executive dysfunction. Brain Dopamine Pathways and Functions

⭐ Stimulants cause a rapid, high-magnitude DA surge in the NAc, far exceeding natural rewards, leading to powerful reinforcement properties of these drugs.

Clinical Picture - Highs, Lows, & Alerts

Intoxication ("Highs")Withdrawal ("Lows")
Mood/AffectEuphoria, grandiosity, agitation, anxiety, paranoiaDysphoria, anhedonia, depression, irritability
Energy↑ Psychomotor activity, insomnia, restlessnessFatigue, hypersomnia, psychomotor retardation/agitation
PhysicalTachycardia, HTN, mydriasis, sweating, N/V, weight loss; 📌 Formication ("cocaine bugs")↑ Appetite, vivid unpleasant dreams
SevereArrhythmias, MI, CVA, seizures, hyperthermiaSevere depression, suicidal ideation
  • Cardiovascular: MI, CVA, HTN crisis, arrhythmias.
  • Neurological: Seizures, hyperthermia, psychosis.
  • Withdrawal: Severe depression, suicidality.

⭐ Formication (tactile hallucination of insects under skin) is classic in chronic stimulant intoxication ("cocaine bugs").

Complications - The Toll Taker

  • Cardiovascular: Myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, dilated cardiomyopathy, severe hypertension, hemorrhagic/ischemic stroke.
  • Neurological: Seizures, movement disorders (e.g., choreoathetosis), persistent psychosis, significant cognitive impairment.
  • Psychiatric: Worsening depression/anxiety, intense paranoia, suicidal ideation/attempts.
  • Infectious (IVDU): HIV, Hepatitis B/C, infective endocarditis, cellulitis, abscesses.
  • Dental: "Meth mouth": rampant caries, gingivitis, tooth loss.
  • Nutritional: Severe malnutrition, cachexia, vitamin deficiencies.
  • Obstetric: IUGR, placental abruption, preterm labor, neonatal abstinence syndrome.

⭐ Methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MACM) is a distinct form of dilated cardiomyopathy; early cessation offers the best chance for cardiac function recovery.

Management - Navigating Recovery

  • Acute Intoxication:
    • Supportive care (ABCs).
    • Agitation/Psychosis: Benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam 2-4mg IV/IM), antipsychotics (e.g., Haloperidol 5mg IM).
    • Hyperthermia: Cooling blankets, IV fluids.
    • Severe Hypertension/Tachycardia: Labetalol (cautiously), cardiac monitoring.
  • Withdrawal Management:
    • Primarily supportive care.
    • Monitor for depression, anhedonia, suicidality.
    • No FDA-approved medications.
  • Long-Term Relapse Prevention:
    • Psychosocial interventions are primary.
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
      • Contingency Management (CM).
    • No FDA-approved pharmacotherapy.
    • Off-label options (limited evidence): Modafinil, Bupropion.

⭐ Contingency Management (CM) shows robust efficacy in promoting abstinence in stimulant use disorders.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Mechanism: Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines) primarily ↑ dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin.
  • Intoxication: Presents with euphoria, agitation, mydriasis, hypertension, and characteristic formication ("cocaine bugs").
  • Withdrawal: Characterized by dysphoria, profound fatigue, hypersomnia, and ↑ appetite.
  • Complications: Include life-threatening MI, stroke, seizures, and nasal septal perforation with cocaine.
  • Intoxication Management: Primarily benzodiazepines for agitation/seizures; antipsychotics for psychosis.
  • Withdrawal Management: Supportive care; no FDA-approved medications currently exist.

Practice Questions: Stimulant Use Disorders

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following drugs are used in the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

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Flashcards: Stimulant Use Disorders

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Which addictive drug is associated with loss of decency and self respect?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Which addictive drug is associated with loss of decency and self respect?_____

Cocaine

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