Stimulants in the Overdose Epidemic: Insights From The Stimulant Guide and Lessons From Massachusetts

Stimulant-involved deaths have risen in recent years. These increases are taking place in the context of a national drug overdose epidemic, in which stimulants are increasingly involved. Between 2013 and 2020, the rate of stimulant-involved deaths increased more than six-fold. Given this emerging threat, answers to basic questions about stimulants and their growing role in the drug overdose epidemic are needed. This session will share two resources.

As part of an Overdose Data to Action grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Rapid Assessment of Consumer Knowledge (RACK) team in Massachusetts conducted 56 surveys and 21 interviews with people who reported use of cocaine. Participants from locations with high cocaine-involved overdoses were recruited to understand how, where, and why people were overdosing with cocaine and opioids, and what measures might help to reduce risk. Presenters will summarize findings, including: (1) Evidence that people who use powdered cocaine and crack are unintentionally exposed to fentanyl in the cocaine supply, but overdose prevention is possible; (2) many people who use cocaine are unaware of their risk for an opioid and ill-prepared to; and (3) public health messaging and access to naloxone are needed for people who use cocaine.

In an effort to disseminate information about stimulants to community service providers and members of the public, a new tool was developed by CDC experts and substance use researchers. “The Stimulant Guide,” offers answers to common questions about stimulants. This presentation will showcase “The Stimulant Guide” and a supplemental guide outlining resources on stimulant use, preventing stimulant-involved overdose, treatment for stimulant use disorder, and reducing harms among people who use stimulants.