Patterns and Determinants of Polystimulant Use Among Patients Seeking Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders

To estimate the prevalence and identify factors associated with polystimulant use (2 or more stimulants during the past 30 d), a specific case of polysubstance use, among patients seeking treatment for stimulant use disorder (StUD).

The data come from a national database of patients seeking treatment for StUD in France between 2012 and 2022 (n = 60211, 21.7% females). We conducted multilevel logistic regression to assess sociodemographic and psychiatric factors as well as concurrent use of psychoactive substances on polystimulant use.

Overall, the prevalence of polystimulant use was 12.5%. Descriptive findings suggested a slight increase over time; however, the result did not hold in the multivariable analysis. The odds of concurrent use were higher among patients aged 25-34 years, the more educated, who sought treatment for (meth)amphetamine disorders, who injected, with psychiatric disorders, and patients who used hallucinogens during the past 30 d. Polystimulant use was negatively associated with age at onset. No association with gender was detected.

Our study suggests that polystimulant use varies by demographic factors and mostly occurs at later ages. Clinical strategies should target patients of younger age, with higher educational level, and should integrate mental health interventions as needed for those who were early initiators.