In HHS Region 8, overdose deaths attributed to fentanyl increased by 27% in South Dakota to 125% in Utah from 2019 to 2020. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), fentanyl is rapidly becoming the number one drug threat surpassing stimulants, especially in this region. In addition, Xylazine (also known as Tranq), a powerful sedative used in veterinary practice, is being mixed into fentanyl. Both SAMHSA and the DEA released alerts in March 2023 for healthcare professionals regarding risks to patients exposed to Xylazine as the problems associated with this drug are moving towards the plains and western states. Finally, synthetic psychoactive cannabis products that include Delta 8 THC are marketed to youth and sold over-the-counter in many states. Public health concerns and approaches related to Delta 8 THC will be discussed.
These three substances, Fentanyl, Xylazine, and Synthetic Psychoactive Cannabis, will be the focus of this two-part webinar series. The goal is to increase the knowledge and awareness of treatment and recovery professionals by helping prepare their responses to individuals using these substances. Best practices suggest that these trending substances will require more proactive efforts.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
11:00 am - 12:30pm Mountain
12:00 - 1:30pm Central
Description: The drugs on the streets in 2023 are a very potent and lethal mixture of pharmaceutical agents that when mixed into the longstanding supply of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine have increased overdose deaths by almost 100% in the past 5 years. This presentation will focus on how fentanyl and xylazine have changed the illicit drug landscape and made harm reduction the essential framework for addressing the needs of individuals who use illicit drugs. Information will be provided on the changing mixture of drugs being used, the effects of these drugs, the challenges that the use of these drug provide to first responders, medical professionals and addiction treatment providers.
Presenter: Richard Rawson, PhD
