American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Lead: Xylazine effects on opioid-induced brain hypoxia

Lead: Xylazine effects on opioid-induced brain hypoxia

Tuesday 11th July 2023

Explore xylazine's impact on opioid-induced brain hypoxia and more in this episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked'.
6 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Thought-provoking
Supportive
Eye-opening

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This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Xylazine and Opioids: Unraveling the Dangers

Episode Overview

  • Xylazine's exacerbation of life-threatening effects in opioid-positive overdose deaths is explored
  • The impact of medical cannabis laws on chronic non-cancer pain treatment is discussed
  • The safety and efficacy of opioid analgesia for low back and neck pain are examined
  • The reliability of in-person and remote drug testing methods is assessed
  • Insights into virtual overdose monitoring services and their reception among people who use substances are shared
The study found that xylazine exacerbates the life-threatening effects of opioids, proposing worsened brain hypoxia as the mechanism contributing to xylazine-positive opioid overdose deaths.
Imagine a substance that silently worsens the deadly effects of opioids. In this episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked', the spotlight is on xylazine, a drug that's been creeping into the opioid scene with devastating consequences. The American Society of Addiction Medicine dives deep into a study examining how xylazine exacerbates brain hypoxia when mixed with opioids like fentanyl and heroin.
Through research on freely moving rats, the findings suggest that xylazine significantly heightens the risk of life-threatening conditions such as respiratory depression and brain hypoxia. But that's not all. This episode doesn't stop at xylazine; it also touches on other pressing topics in addiction medicine. From the influence of medical cannabis laws on chronic pain treatment to the effectiveness of opioid analgesia for acute back and neck pain, the discussions are rich with information.
You'll also hear about the reliability of both in-person and remote drug testing methods, providing a comprehensive look at current practices in the field. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or someone impacted by addiction, this episode is packed with crucial insights and up-to-date research that can help shape understanding and treatment approaches. So, if you're curious about how emerging substances like xylazine are changing the landscape of addiction medicine, this episode is a must-listen.