Co-involvement of stimulants with opioids in North America: A 'silent epidemic'

TL;DR

A growing problem in North America involves the combined use of opioids and stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine, leading to increased drug-related deaths.

Contribution

This study highlights the 'silent epidemic' of stimulant co-ingestion with opioids and its impact on rising drug-related deaths.

Findings

Stimulant use is increasing year over year in North America.

Co-ingestion of stimulants and opioids is associated with a higher rate of increase in drug-related deaths.

Public interest in stimulants has declined compared to opioids, despite their significant role in drug poisoning.

Abstract

The opioid epidemic unfolded in three distinct waves, with the latest comprising of deaths attributed to illegally manufactured synthetic opioids. We discuss evidence for a 'silent epidemic' alongside the opioid epidemic comprising co-ingestion of stimulants including methamphetamine and cocaine. Data regarding opioid- and stimulant-use trends (specifically methamphetamine and cocaine) were collected from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (1999–2021) in the United States for unintentional and intentional deaths. For Canada, opioid- (2016–2022) and stimulant-use (2018–2022) trends for unintentional and intentional deaths were collected from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to investigate trends for opioid and stimulant use in the United States and Canada. As a proxy for public interest in opioid- and stimulant-related trends, Google Trends Relative Search Interest (RSI) was used to measure the interest over time (2004-present) for opioid- and stimulant-related search terms. Spearman's non-parametric correlation was used to measure the relationship between the RSI and drug-related deaths. Although public attention is mostly directed at the opioid epidemic, stimulant-use is increasing year over year. Moreover, the use of stimulants and opioids together is associated with a higher rate of increase in drug-related deaths each year compared to stimulants or opioids alone. Despite the importance of the potential stimulant contribution to opioid-involved deaths, Google Trends RSI revealed public interest in stimulants has dropped from a peak value in 2004–2005, whereas relative interest in opioids is relatively much higher on Google in comparison to the interest in stimulants. Given the contribution of stimulants to the ongoing drug poisoning crisis there is an urgent need to develop and implement strategies that reduce the health risks associated with stimulant use. To achieve this, we must raise awareness among clinicians, policymakers and the general public regarding the potential impacts of stimulant use, including deliberate and unaware co-use of stimulants and opioids, on drug poisoning deaths, population health and the healthcare system.

Figures