Description
Perhaps the “fourth wave” of the opioid crisis can actually be considered a surge in stimulant use, misuse, and abuse. It may be ironic to think this, since opioids are literally the exact opposite in effect to stimulants. The first wave of the opioid crisis observationally involved prescription opioids (whether attained via prescription or illicitly), the second wave involving heroin, the third wave involving fentanyl analogs and other laced products within heroin. Now our society faces a surge in stimulant-related overdoses, which are only related to opioids via sharing the same illicit distribution networks (i.e. dealers). Methamphetamine (Meth) and cocaine utilization has actually remained at a consistently moderate to high level over the past few decades, but was lost in translation relative the sensationalization of opioid utilization. Additionally, there is a decent amount of overlap and confusion between some hallucinogens and stimulants since there are substances within both categories of substances of abuse that are almost identical in structure, yet, not quite in effect. This discussion is also part of the overall Substances of Abuse Specialty Pharmacist (SASP) Certificate training program. So join us in this discussion revolving around the various stimulants that are abused across the globe, so that you too can broaden your view of these substances of abuse, perhaps without the associated dilation of your pupils!