63% of all stimulant deaths in 2019 also involved an opioid
The National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation published an interactive graphic series that allows users to explore data trends related to the rapid rise in overdose deaths involving stimulants. Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body’s systems. This category of drugs comprises prescription amphetamines (including methamphetamine) used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity as well as illicitly-manufactured cocaine and methamphetamine. Prescription amphetamines come in pill form intended for slow release, but may be abused by crushing the pills into a powder that can be injected or inhaled for a very quick effect. Illicit methamphetamine and cocaine can also be in a powder form or in crystal form that can be smoked (i.e., crystal meth and crack cocaine).
