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INTRODUCTION
Addiction is a chronic illness that affects millions of people,
as well as their families and communities. Across the United
States overdose deaths involving stimulant use have been
increasing since 2012. There are now three-times more deaths
involving cocaine and twelve-times more deaths involving
methamphetamine and similar drugs compared to a decade
ago. Stimulants also cause serious long-term health problems
including heart problems, mental health problems, and dental
problems. Stimulant drugs may also contain fentanyl, which
increases overdose risks. In addition, some people inject
stimulants which can spread diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
Like diabetes or heart disease, there is no cure for stimulant
use disorder. But it can be managed. People with addiction can
and do recover.
SOURCE: National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System, mortality data file.
Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Stimulants
Methamphetamine and similar drugs
