The Changing Face of Opioid Overdoses: Insights from Johns Hopkins
Episode Overview
109,000 overdose deaths in 2022, mostly due to fentanyl Shift from injection to smoking, vaping, or snorting drugs 'Tranq' causing severe wounds in injection users Street lore influencing drug use patterns Expert insights on substance use disorder trends
When fentanyl first appeared I think people became more afraid of injection use because of the potency
Ever wondered why the face of opioid overdoses is changing? This episode of 'Alcohol And Drug Abuse – Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts' dives into the alarming rise in overdose deaths, with a staggering 109,000 people losing their lives in 2022. The majority of these deaths are linked to illegally manufactured fentanyl and its deadly lookalikes. But here's the twist: most of these fatalities aren't from injections.
Michael Fingerhood, a substance use disorder expert at Johns Hopkins, sheds light on this significant shift in drug use patterns. Fingerhood explains that the sheer potency of fentanyl has made people wary of injecting it. Street lore suggests that injecting increases the risk of overdose and death, pushing users towards smoking, vaping, or snorting instead. However, these methods are no less dangerous.
The episode also touches on the grim reality of 'tranq' – a mix of fentanyl and xylazine – causing horrific wounds in injection users, particularly in Baltimore. Elizabeth Tracey hosts this eye-opening discussion, providing a detailed look at how the landscape of drug abuse is evolving. You'll hear about the challenges faced by those dealing with substance use disorders and the ongoing battle against these lethal substances.
If you're looking to understand the complexities of this crisis and the shifting trends in drug use, this episode is a must-listen. Why should you tune in? To gain a deeper understanding of how fentanyl is reshaping drug use and overdose patterns, and to hear expert insights from one of the leading voices in substance use disorder research. It’s an episode that combines hard facts with compassionate storytelling, making it both informative and engaging.