Stimulant-related emergency department visits rise 300 percent among younger adults

A new report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that some drug- related emergency department visits increased by 300 percent — from 5,605 visits in 2005 to 22,949 visits in 2011.  These visits, made by adults aged 18 to 34, were related to the nonmedical use of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.  On average, about 30 percent of these visits also involved alcohol. CNS stimulants featured in this report include prescription drugs, such as those used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; other prescription medications, such as benzphetamine and modafinil; and over-the- counter products containing stimulants.  Illicit stimulants,…