Stimulant Use Disorder

Treatment of stimulant use disorders is a growing public health concern in all age-groups, with older adults facing unique challenges and circumstances. Stimulant use disorder in older patient populations has not been well studied in the medical literature. But there is a consensus that successful screening, diagnosis, and treatment are necessary to help older patients manage the sequela of physical and psychiatric health concerns associated with stimulant use disorder. Evidence for treatment is in general support of primarily psychotherapeutic and psychosocial approaches, such as individual and group therapeutic interventions through such modalities as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management (CM), 12-step programs, etc. There is no FDA approved medication for the treatment of stimulant use disorder. Data from a multitude of pharmacological treatment trials have yet to produce any sound evidence for specific interventions, but additional information and targeted studies still need to be considered in the future.