A detailed analysis of the specific life domains reveals that dominantly, the social environment was affected by negative life events. Although some group differences could be attributed to the individuals’ life course prior to first ATS use, most negative life events were associated with periods of ATS usage. Current and formerly dependent ATS users showed more negative life events for the entire life course after age adjustment. Out of 3547 life events documented, 1523 life events were categorised as neutral, 1005 life events as positive and 1019 life events as negative. We applied statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to test for group differences. Life events were categorised as either positive, neutral or negative, and associated data were analysed systematically to identify differences between user groups. As part of the interviews, we used life course charts to capture key life events and substance use histories. Two hundred seventy-nine in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with five ATS user groups (current and former dependent users current and former frequent users non-frequent users) and one group of exposed non-ATS users in five European countries (Germany, UK, Poland, Netherlands and Czech Republic). Here we report initial findings from the life course chart exercise conducted as part of qualitative interviews with ATS users and nonusers. The ATTUNE project “Understanding Pathways to Stimulant Use: a mixed methods examination of the individual, social and cultural factors shaping illicit stimulant use across Europe” aims to fill this gap. However, there is limited understanding of what shapes patterns of ATS use over the life course. Stimulants can be fatal, especially when taken in large doses or when mixed with other substances.Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are the second most commonly used illicit drugs in Europe and globally. This can result in increased dependence and addiction. Often, chronic stimulant abusers will try to compensate for diminishing highs by taking more and more stimulants to experience the same initial pleasure. Snorting or swallowing stimulants produces a high that is less intense but longer lasting. Injected or smoked stimulants reach the brain faster and therefore produce the most intense highs. Stimulant drugs can be swallowed in pill form, snorted as a powder, injected with a needle or syringe, or heated into crystal form and smoked. Stimulants are abused in several ways, depending on the type. Over-the-counter and prescription stimulantsĭextroamphetamine (used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD) Illegally sold or manufactured amphetamines Methamphetamines (an amphetamine that is usually smoked) Types of stimulants Illicit stimulants (street drugs) Over time, stimulant drug abuse disrupts the functioning of the brain’s dopamine system and eventually dampens the user's ability to feel any pleasure at all. A healthcare provider may prescribe a stimulant drug to treat narcolepsy, promote weight loss, or treat ADHD and clinical depression. Note that amphetamines, a common stimulant drug, are prescribed and produced, and sold illegally. Stimulants are widely used as both recreational and prescription drugs. Examples of stimulant drugs include cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, nicotine and ecstasy. Stimulant drugs are a class of psychoactive drug that provides temporary improvements in physical or mental functioning, thus elevating mood and increasing feelings of wellbeing, energy and alertness.