Patients with this risk level are using stimulants (for example: cocaine, crack, and methamphetamines, etc.) in ways that can have important implications for their health, and may meet DSM-5 criteria for Stimulant Use Disorder at a lower level of severity. They are at some risk for adverse outcomes associated with stimulant use.
Display Title
Stimulant Risk Level: Problem Use - Risk for Adverse Outcomes
Tool Type
Drugs of Abuse
Risk Level
Moderate
Additional Resources
Stimulant Use Resources
General Resources
- Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment Training Manual – Yale School of Medicine
- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator – SAMHSA
- Motivational Interviewing Skills Practice – NIDA
- OARS Essential Communication Techniques – Oregon.gov
- Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (3rd ed.) - Behavioral Therapies – NIDA
Suggested Action
The suggested intervention for patients with “problem use” of these substances is to deliver a brief intervention.
- Talk about health consequences.
- Tailor messages to the individual patient.
- Assess further for Stimulant Use Disorder using a clinical interview (consider using the DSM-5 Stimulant Use Disorder criteria as a guide).
- Express concern and recommend cessation.
- Use the FRAMES components and motivational interviewing techniques (see references for specific resources) to encourage change.
- Make a specific plan, including strategies for reducing health consequences of substance use.
- Assess for Hepatitis-C and/or HIV infection risk, especially from injection use.
- Educate patient on risks associated with injecting stimulants with heroin or otherwise combining stimulants with alcohol or other drugs.
- Advise not to use drugs and drive.
- Arrange follow-up.