Stimulant use (meth or cocaine)

Overview

Using with others, test strips, and naloxone lower overdose risk.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Trouble controlling meth or cocaine use
• Badly decayed or broken teeth with a very dry mouth
• Feeling bugs under the skin, or sores from picking
• Days without sleep, very high energy, or paranoia after using

Less common

• Paranoia
• Not sleeping
• Weight loss

Look up a symptom: Losing weight without trying · Racing or pounding heartbeat · Trouble sleeping

When to get medical care

Causes

Stimulants change brain reward.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Possible complications

• Heart attack
• Stroke

Diagnosis

A clinician talks with you.

Questions you may be asked

• Use pattern

The exam

Heart and mental health check.

Treatment

Stay safer and get support.

Self-care

• Don't use alone
• Carry naloxone
• Drink water and rest
• Reach out for treatment

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an addiction medicine doctor or a licensed counselor.

Living with it

• Keep a regular sleep, meal, and activity routine.
• Tell one trusted person how you're doing, and plan who to call on hard days.
• Limit alcohol and drugs. They often make symptoms worse.
• In a crisis, call or text 988 any time.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• SAMHSA National Helpline: Free, private treatment referrals 24/7: 1-800-662-4357.
• FindTreatment.gov: A government search tool for treatment centers near you.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
• Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
• If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Recovery is possible.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing my symptoms?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Stimulant use (meth or cocaine)