Do I Have Stimulant Use Disorder?

Do you often take the stimulant in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended?

Do you experience a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control stimulant use?

Do you spend a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain the stimulant, use the stimulant or recover from its effects?

Do you crave or experience a strong desire or urge to use the stimulant?

Do you recurrently use the stimulant resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home?

Do you continue stimulant use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the stimulant (e.g., arguments with a spouse about consequences of intoxication; physical fights)?

Are you giving up or reducing important social, occupational or recreational activities because of stimulant use?

Do you recurrently use the stimulant in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use)?

Do you continue stimulant use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the stimulant?

Do you experience a need for markedly increased amounts of the stimulant to achieve intoxication or desired effect or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the stimulant?

After cessation/reduction of amphetamine-type substance, cocaine or other stimulant use that has been prolonged, did you experience two or more symptoms (such as fatigue, unpleasant and vivid dreams, insomnia/hypersomnia, increased appetite or psychomotor retardation/agitation) within several hours after cessation/reduction or do you take a stimulant (or a closely related substance) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have stimulant use disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have stimulant use disorder, you are displaying a sign related to it. Stimulants are drugs that increase energy and alertness and have multiple effects on the body (e.g., increased heart rate and respiration). Stimulants may be prescribed to treat a variety of disorders, such as ADHD disorder, depression and narcolepsy. In order to receive a diagnosis of stimulant use disorder, you need to show a pattern of stimulant use that leads to impairment in functioning or distress. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your stimulant use or if you would want to receive the right advice.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have stimulant use disorder. It may be very important to seek medical attention. When someone is exposed to a stimulant, they can develop stimulant use disorder in just a week. However, the onset does not always happen that fast. The disorder can cause behavioral changes. If someone is using the drugs already for a long time, they may become aggressive, chaotic or socially isolated. Treatment for this disorder usually involves behavioral counselling. Additionally, abstinence goals will be set up and group therapy will be encouraged. The person may need long-term support.