This Lecture Series presentation will provide a detailed review of local and national emerging drug trends.  Epidemiological data on synthetic drugs, fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, mixed opioids/stimulants and vaping (marijuana and nicotine) will be presented.  The presentation will define key terms, describe the major classes of emerging drugs, present available data on the extent of use, and discuss the acute and chronic effects.  The presentation will conclude with a discussion of treatment considerations and health concerns.  
A panel discussion will follow this presentation featuring representatives from SAPC’s specialty substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider network. This portion of the presentation is intended to assist SUD providers in addressing real world concerns with emerging substances of abuse because they are constantly changing.  Additionally, panelists will share their perspectives on the growing use of emerging drugs, as well as their efforts to implement evidence-based treatment options to assist in addressing the ongoing epidemic.
Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1)    Describe the current information on the availability and patterns of emerging drug tends in the United States.
2)    Identify the key characteristics and acute and chronic effects of synthetic drugs, most notably synthetic opioids (fentanyl), synthetic cannabinoids (spice) and synthetic cathinones (bath salts).
3)    Identify the key characteristics and acute and chronic effects of mixed opioids and stimulants.
4)    Explain strategies for communicating the dangers involved with the use of emerging drugs, including the current vaping lung illness epidemic.