Understanding Stimulants

You’re not alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, remember that recovery is possible. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and effective treatments are available. Need help? Visit our How to get help page.

Stimulants are a class of psychoactive drugs that increase alertness.

StUD is a diagnosis under the broader category of SUD, which is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain - they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to harmful behaviors. SUD or addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as heart disease. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of the underlying organ, can have serious harmful consequences, and are preventable and treatable, but if left untreated, can last a lifetime.

Methamphetamine (Meth)
An illegal, highly addictive powerful stimulant. Common names include crystal, ice, and crank.

Cocaine
An illegal drug made from coca plants, usually seen as white powder or crack rock.

Prescription Stimulants
Medications like Adderall and Ritalin, which are used to treat ADHD.

MDMA
A lab-made (synthetic) drug similar to stimulants like methamphetamine. Commonly known as ecstasy or Molly.

Stimulants cause changes in the brain that make it hard to quit using them.

• Heart attacks
• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure

• Anxiety and paranoia
• Depression
• Hallucinations

• Severe dental problems
• Skin sores
• Malnutrition
• Infectious diseases – if injected

Health care providers play a vital role in tackling stimulant use disorder. Oklahoma is working to equip providers with the knowledge and tools needed to screen for, treat, and manage stimulant use disorder.

Supported through the OSDH Injury Prevention Service, Dr. Stephen Weaver, Professor and Medical Director, Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, developed training covering the following topics:

• Screening and brief intervention techniques
• Evidence-based treatments for stimulant use disorder
• Managing stimulant use during pregnancy

These trainings are designed to build capacity among Oklahoma providers to better serve patients affected by stimulant use.

• Session 1: Screening and Brief Intervention 
• Session 2: Treatments for Stimulant Use Disorder 
• Session 3: Use During Pregnancy

• Session 1: Screening and Brief Intervention 
• Session 2: Treatments for Stimulant Use Disorder 
• Session 3: Use During Pregnancy

• ASAM/AAAP Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Stimulant Use Disorder
• Provider Pocket Guide
• OSU Project ECHO Schedule
• Providers Clinical Support System
• Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network
• Statewide Psychiatry Access, Resources and Knowledge