Why Stimulant Misuse Is Rising—and How Employers Can Help

Have you ever reached for a cup of coffee or an energy drink when you needed a quick boost? That means you’ve used a stimulant (in this case, caffeine) to shake off your fatigue and feel more alert and focused.

That relatable example is proof that stimulant use isn’t always problematic—but it’s also more common and complex than many people realize.

Stimulant misuse is rising across age groups. And, despite their reputation for enhancing energy and motivation, stimulants can carry real risks. Let’s take a closer look at what stimulants are, why use is rising, the potential harms, and what you need to know to support your employees.

What are stimulants?

A stimulant isn’t one particular drug or substance. Rather, it’s a class of drugs that speeds up the transmission of messages between the brain and the body. This makes people feel more alert, awake, confident, or energetic.

There’s a broad spectrum of stimulants, from widely accepted ones (like caffeine) to prescription amphetamines (like Adderall) to illegal substances (like cocaine and crystal methamphetamine).

Why stimulant use is on the rise

Using stimulants isn’t inherently bad—there’s nothing blatantly dangerous about your morning coffee, and some people really benefit from prescription stimulants (when prescribed by their doctor). It’s stimulant misuse that’s concerning.

In 2022, more than 10.2 million people misused stimulants. This could mean taking more than what’s prescribed, taking them in ways not intended (like crushing or snorting), using someone else’s prescription, or turning to illegal alternatives.

From 2012 to 2023, dispensing of stimulants increased by 60% in the U.S. But the big question is why? Why is stimulant use seeing such an uptick? There are several factors at play:

• Rising rates of ADHD diagnoses and greater awareness of mental health needs: More people are being screened and treated for ADHD—including adults who were never diagnosed in childhood. This has increased demand for prescription amphetamines, which also increases opportunities for misuse.
• Increased workplace and academic pressure: Some stimulants have been coined “study drugs” or “performance boosters.” This is because people in high-stress school and work environments often seek stimulants to help with focus, productivity, and energy. In fact, “academic enhancement” is the top nonmedical reason for stimulant use among college students.
• Ongoing prescription shortages: Global shortages of Adderall and other stimulants have led some people to seek alternatives outside the medical system—both legal and illegal.
• Expanding availability of illegal stimulants: The supply of methamphetamine and cocaine has risen in many parts of the U.S. These substances aren’t just increasingly accessible—they’re increasingly potent. Synthetic stimulants (often mixed with fentanyl) have also become more prevalent.
• Cultural normalization of “energy culture”: From energy drinks and pre-workout supplements to caffeine pills, stimulant-like products are heavily marketed as productivity tools. This makes stimulant use feel more acceptable.
• Misconceptions about safety: Because many stimulants are prescribed medications, people often assume they’re safer to use without medical oversight—especially compared to opioids or other illicit drugs. This false sense of safety can lead people to experiment or misuse them.

Put simply, stimulants are easier to access, more socially acceptable, and often misunderstood. As a result, more people are turning to them—sometimes in ways that cross into misuse.

Understanding the risks of stimulant use

Again, stimulants aren’t automatically dangerous. However, relying on them too heavily, using them in unintended ways, or turning to illicit versions introduces several alarming risks:

• Overdose: Even though they’re often thought of as harmless, stimulants were involved in 59% of all overdose deaths between January 2021 and June 2024.
• Cardiovascular strain: Stimulants can increase heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and body temperature. This raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially with high doses or in people with underlying heart conditions.
• Mental health effects: Misuse of stimulants can lead to anxiety, paranoia, agitation, and, in some cases, psychosis—particularly when using high-potency or illegal stimulants like methamphetamine.
• Dependence and addiction: People can develop tolerance or dependence (which varies by stimulant), meaning they need to take higher or more frequent doses to achieve the same effect. According to research, “stimulant drugs damage the brain’s decision-making abilities, revving up the course of addiction and making it harder for people to quit.” This increases both the physical and psychological risks.

These risks don’t stay personal for long. Stimulant misuse can have a significant and negative impact on an employee’s health, safety, and ability to perform at work.

Signs and symptoms of stimulant use

Needless to say, awareness matters. When you understand the warning signs of stimulant misuse, you’re better able to intervene early and get employees the support they need—before the issue escalates even further. Here’s what to keep an eye out for.

Behavioral signs:

• Sudden bursts of energy, confidence, or talkativeness
• Irritability, agitation, or restlessness
• Changes in sleep patterns (such as staying awake for long periods)
• Increased risk-taking, impulsivity, or erratic behavior
• Difficulty focusing without the substance or “crashing” after use

Physical signs:

• Rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, or dilated pupils
• Excessive sweating, tremors, or muscle twitching
• Reduced appetite or significant weight loss
• Headaches, chest pain, or overheating
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding

Employers should watch for:

• Noticeable drops in work performance, attention, or reliability
• Frequent absences or extended work breaks
• Sudden changes in mood, energy, or interpersonal behavior
• Unexplained weight changes or appearing unusually wired or fatigued
• Reports or observations of unsafe behavior, increased errors, or accidents

If you notice these signs in an employee, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy—not accusations.

You don’t need to diagnose the issue or confront employees directly about substance use. Instead, focus on observed behavior and express concern for their well-being with something like this: “I’ve noticed a shift in your performance. Is everything okay?”

This gives your employee the chance to decide how much they’re comfortable sharing. If they open up about an issue with substance use, at that point you can guide them toward relevant resources, such as your employee assistance program (EAP) or high-quality treatment options through Carrum Health.

How Carrum Health can help

Supporting an employee who’s struggling with stimulant misuse is challenging—but fortunately, it’s not something you need to do alone.

Carrum Health offers specialized, evidence-based treatment programs that help members address stimulant and other substance use challenges. Through access to leading addiction specialists, comprehensive medical and behavioral support, and personalized care pathways, Carrum ensures each member gets the high-quality care they deserve.

Carrum empowers employees to make meaningful progress toward recovery—and helps employers foster a healthier, safer, and more supported workplace.