# Stimulant overdose deaths rise in some US states as fentanyl deaths fall

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/stimulant-overdoses-on-the-rise-as-opioid-deaths-decline-but-treatment-is-complex/
- Published: 2026-11-08T12:00:40+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T12:14:31+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/nov/08/stimulant-overdoses-rise
- Topics: Health, Medicine, Politics, World

## Key points

- Stimulant overdoses are rising in many parts of the US.
- Fentanyl deaths fell, but cocaine and methamphetamine deaths rose in several states.
- Experts advise recognising symptoms and calling emergency services.

## Summary

Stimulant-related overdoses are increasing in parts of the United States even as deaths involving fentanyl have fallen, complicating efforts to reduce overdose deaths. Experts say stimulant emergencies can be harder for bystanders to recognise than opioid overdoses, and there is no equivalent to naloxone for treating stimulant-induced heart attacks, strokes or seizures.

Provisional 2025 data show fentanyl-involved deaths fell to pre-pandemic levels nationally, while cocaine deaths rose in 13 states and methamphetamine deaths rose in eight. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures and signs of stroke; experts advise calling emergency services, reducing noise and crowds, and using naloxone if the person is unconscious because opioids may also be involved. Heat and dehydration can increase danger, and prolonged stimulant use may lead to psychosis or paranoia.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.