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Stimulant Use Disorder: Cocaine and Methamphetamines Author’s Name: Institution of Affiliation: Course Name: Instructor’s Name: Date: Stimulant Use Disorder: Cocaine and Methamphetamines Stimulant Use Disorder Stimulant use disorders have been a significant concern within psychiatric and addiction treatment. Even though there are varying substance use disorders, the common substances are cocaine and methamphetamines. It is, therefore, important for PMHNP providers to recognize the nuances and complexities that this disorder causes. The DSM-5 characterizes the stimulant use disorder using problematic stimulant use patterns that can cause distress or clinical impairment. Diagnostic Criteria The person can be diagnosed with stimulant after showing two or more of these signs within a year. 1 If the person shows withdrawal through characteristic withdrawal syndrome for a stimulant or has taken a stimulant to help avoid the withdrawal symptoms 2 If the person has been having an intense craving to use a stimulant 3 If the person has been using it in situations that can be physically hazardous. 4 If the person has recurrent use, it makes the person fail to achieve significant roles at school, work, or home. 5 When the person's efforts of cutting down or controlling the use have been unsuccessful 6 When the person has continued to use it regardless of having recurrent psychological or physical problems led by the stimulant 7 If the person is taking the stimulant for a more extended period or more significant amounts than intended 8 If the individual is spending much to get, use, or recover from the stimulant side effects 9 If the stimulant has caused the person to quit or reduce critical occupational, recreational, or social activities 10 If the person has continued to use it regardless of the stimulant causing recurrent social and interpersonal problems If the individual's tolerance is based on more amounts of stimulants to attain the desired effect or diminished effect after continuing to use the same amount Street Names Similar to other substance abuse, cocaine and methamphetamines have street names. Cocaine has varying names, such as coke, snow, powder, or blow (Bravo et al., 2022). On the other hand, methamphetamines are referred to as meth, crank, crystal, or ice. Methods of Use Different people choose varying ways to abuse these substances. For example, some use smoking while they inhale the vapors. On the other hand, others use oral ingestion, where they swallow them. Furthermore, others snort when they inhale these powders using their noses. Others opt to use the Intravenous (IV) injection, where they inject into their bloodstream directly. Symptoms of Abuse There are varying symptoms that someone using cocaine or methamphetamines exhibits. For example, some people experience decreased appetite when they struggle to eat. Others have...