Resources
14 Results (showing 1 - 10)
Results sorted by updated date (newest first)
Results sorted by updated date (newest first)
Posted 10/23/2023 (updated 5/24/2024)
Using data from 77 harm reduction programs in 25 US states, researchers found that 12-15% of powder methamphetamine and powder cocaine also contained fentanyl although the prevalence varied geographically. Prevalence of fentanyl in crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine was lower. Heroin and xylazine were also found in unregulated stimulants. Xylazine reduced the ability to detect fentanyl.
Posted 1/27/2021 (updated 4/4/2024)
The current study examined the accuracy of sensory discernment strategies by measuring study participants’ descriptions of the last opioid injected and checked with a fentanyl test strip (FTS) by that test's positive/negative result. The primary objective was to determine associations between FTS results and descriptions of the illi it opioid's physical appearance and physiological effects.
Posted 8/11/2020 (updated 4/2/2024)
Non-fatal opioid overdose (NFOO) is a significant cause of opioid-related morbidity in the United States. As the number of NFOOs continues to grow, it is important to understand the short- and long-term consequences of NFOO. This report examines the existing literature on the acute and chronic health and functional outcomes of individuals who experience NFOO, and also identifies differences in outcomes for NFOOs involving illicitly-manufactured fentanyl.
Posted 7/7/2021 (updated 4/2/2024)
In 2015, 33,091 persons in the United States died from an opioid-related drug overdose.The epidemic of opioid overdose deaths has led to expanding the use of naloxone in community settings by non–medically trained bystanders who are often people who use drugs (PWUD). Since 2013, illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), fentanyl analogs, and other synthetic opioids have played an increasing role in overdose deaths in the United States. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) prevalence has increased. However, there is uncertainty about naloxone dose(s) used by nonmedical bystanders to reverse opioid overdoses in the context of increasing IMF.
Posted 6/17/2021 (updated 4/2/2024)
Fueled by misinformation, fentanyl panic has harmed public health through complicating overdose rescue while rationalizing hyper-punitive criminal laws, wasteful expenditures, and proposals to curtail vital access to pain pharmacotherapy. To assess misinformation about health risk from casual contact with fentanyl, we characterize its diffusion and excess visibility in mainstream and social media.
Posted 9/1/2020 (updated 3/29/2024)
To raise awareness of increasing overdose events and deaths related to cocaine and other stimulant use, and to provide guidance to health care providers on clinically managing and preventing harm from cocaine and stimulant use disorders.
Posted 7/27/2020 (updated 3/28/2024)
The American Medical Association’s Opioid Task Force report shows a dramatic increase in fatalities involving illicit opioids, stimulants (e.g. methamphetamine), heroin and cocaine and a similarly dramatic drop in the use of prescription opioids.
Posted 7/14/2023 (updated 3/28/2024)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data showing a significant increase – 276 percent in 21 jurisdictions from 2019 to 2022 – in overdose deaths involving Xylazine, a nonopioid sedative that’s been detected in illicitly manufactured fentanyl drug products.
Posted 10/23/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)
The Reagan-Udall Foundation partnered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the "Mitigating Risks from Human Xylazine Exposure" virtual and in-person webinar that occurred early October 2023. This public meeting explored real-world experiences and scientific evidence on emerging data trends for human xylazine exposure and examined concrete strategies for drug development and clinical research that directly supports the mitigation and reduction of risks associated with human exposure to xylazine. The meeting materials, recordings, and slides are now available for viewing.
Posted 4/28/2023 (updated 3/27/2024)
With the proliferation of fentanyl and other adulterants in the national illicit drug supply, people who use drugs (PWUD) are at greater risk of overdose. Among more than 107,000 drug overdose deaths that occurred between July 2021–June 2022, 64% involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Lowering the high rates of overdose among PWUD is possible, as evidence-based practices exist to prevent and respond to overdose, including fentanyl test strips and advanced drug checking equipment. To inform health departments’ harm reduction programming, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing – with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – developed Enhancing Harm Reduction Services in Health Departments: Fentanyl Test Strips and Other Drug Checking Equipment, an educational brief grounded by real-world experience.