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
General Resources
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.