Xylazine (“tranq dope”) and the Illicit Drug Supply: Epidemiology, Drug Interactions, Treatment and Prevention Webinar Materials

Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, has been increasingly identified in parts of the U.S. illicit drug supply. Not only does xylazine escalate overdose risk, it is also associated with other risks and medical complications. People who use illicit drugs may be exposed to xylazine either as (1) contaminant or (2) desired enhancement of illicit opioids and other drugs to lengthen their euphoric effects. A national expert will present on the development of the problem, current epidemiology, interactions, treatment, and prevention.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the epidemiology of xylazine, which is spreading across the United States
• Learn about the health implications for patients exposed to xylazine in the illicit drug supply

Presenter:
Dr. Joseph Friedman, PhD, MPH