Stimulant use disorder (StUD or StimUD, hereafter referred to as StimUD), encompassing cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, and prescription stimulant use disorders, represents a rapidly escalating public health crisis. Approximately 4.5 million individuals in the United States meet criteria for StimUD, with the highest prevalence among young adults (Bushnell et al, 2025). Disordered stimulant use can co-occur with other substance use such as opioids or alcohol, and is frequently associated with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and attention disorders (Han, 2026; Warden, 2016). Strong correlations exist between stimulant use, HIV, and viral hepatitis, as well as medical comorbidities including cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive impairment (Farrell, 2019). Interdependencies between disordered substance use and health-related social needs such as housing, food security, and transportation add additional complexity.
