Stimulant misuse among youth

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Medicine
• Addiction Science

Background:

• Adolescents and young adults (
• youth
• ) are experiencing a rapid rise in stimulant use, encompassing prescription stimulant misuse, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
• Stimulant misuse is linked to severe health consequences, including overdose, polysubstance use, and substance use disorders.
• Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods for substance use initiation, making interventions during these years vital for long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current data on prescription and illicit stimulant use among youth.
• To examine the role of stimulants in polysubstance use and overdose.
• To assess prevention and treatment strategies for stimulant use disorder in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• This study employed a narrative review approach.
• Recent data on stimulant use patterns in youth were synthesized.
• Literature on prescription stimulant misuse and its potential links to illicit stimulant use was examined.

Main Results:

• Stimulant use, including prescription misuse, is a growing concern among youth.
• Stimulants are increasingly contributing to polysubstance use (e.g., with opioids) and overdose events.
• Prescription stimulant misuse is particularly notable in youth compared to other age groups.

Conclusions:

• Urgent public health strategies are needed to address rising stimulant use in youth.
• Interventions targeting adolescents and young adults can mitigate the long-term risks of stimulant use disorder.
• Further research is required to understand pathways from prescription to illicit stimulant use and to develop effective prevention and treatment approaches.