Urgent response is needed to address the stimulant-fentanyl related overdose crisis

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The fourth wave of the opioid epidemic involves the contamination of stimulants with synthetic opioids, leading to increased overdose deaths in the US.
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Stimulant use has risen significantly, with a 43% increase in methamphetamine use from 2015 to 2019 and an 8.63% rise in overall stimulant use between 2021-2022.
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Overdose mortality rates have disproportionately affected Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native populations, highlighting systemic disparities in treatment access.
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Implementing structural competency in addiction provider education can reduce bias and improve treatment outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders.
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Contingency Management (CM) is an evidence-based intervention for stimulant use disorder that remains underutilized due to barriers like insurance limitations and lack of awareness.

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