Addressing stimulant use disorder through state opioid response grants from the substance abuse and mental health services administration: Missouri’s initial approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The alarming growth of stimulant-involved deaths underscores the urgent need for states to expand existing opioid-specific approaches to intentionally reach and serve people who use stimulants. Recent permission from federal agencies has allowed states to spend grant funding that was previously restricted to opioid-related activities on approaches addressing stimulant use. Objectives: This manuscript describes the rationale, methods, and initial results supporting the implementation of Missouri’s recent stimulant-focused efforts – including previously-prohibited activities such as Contingency Management and fentanyl test strip distribution. Methods: Missouri’s State Opioid Response team facilitated the design and implementation of Contingency Management pilot programming abiding by federal spending limits of no more than $75 of incentives per client, mass distribution of fentanyl test strips, and publicly accessible harm reduction trainings and materials specific to stimulant use. Data sources used for initial evaluations included state-level treatment claims, fentanyl test strip distribution counts by type and region of organizations receiving them, and qualitative feedback from stakeholders. Results: Six substance use treatment agencies developed Contingency Management programs, serving 29 individuals in the first nine months. Over 20,000 fentanyl test strips were distributed using a prioritization system designed to reach those most likely to benefit from their use. Conclusions: Recent federally funded efforts to better address stimulant use in Missouri have increased access to evidence-based treatment and harm reduction resources. Lessons learned from early implementation, especially those regarding time allowed for program development and how best to ensure equitable resource distribution, will inform future stimulant-focused program efforts.