Addressing Xylazine in the Drug Supply: Expert Tips on Wound Care and Harm Reduction
Episode Overview
Understand the impact of xylazine in the drug supply. Learn practical tips for caring for xylazine-related wounds. Discover the importance of empathy and patient comfort. Explore harm reduction strategies to support affected individuals. Recognise the role of local harm reduction organisations.
Our patients are the experts in their own body, experiencing the changing drug supply firsthand.
Imagine tackling the complexities of addiction medicine with a compassionate touch. In this episode of The Curbsiders Addiction Medicine Podcast, hosts Dr. Carolyn Chan and Dr. Zina Huxley-Riker dive into the issue of adulterants in the drug supply, focusing on xylazine. They are joined by Dr. Raagini Jawa and nurse practitioner Tehya Johnson, both experts in harm reduction and wound care. Dr.
Jawa, who is board-certified in internal medicine, infectious disease, and addiction medicine, shares her experience in treating xylazine-related wounds and her research on harm reduction services. Tehya Johnson, known for her passionate street outreach work, discusses practical strategies for wound care and patient advocacy. The conversation covers the rising prevalence of xylazine in the illicit drug supply and its severe impact on users. Dr. Jawa explains how to identify xylazine-related wounds and the importance of a thorough clinical history.
Johnson provides invaluable tips on wound care, emphasising empathy and patient comfort. She even shares her experience of using unconventional wound care supplies like petroleum jelly when medical-grade options are unavailable. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for healthcare providers, from recognising symptoms of severe infection to understanding the importance of harm reduction strategies.
The guests highlight the need for better surveillance of the drug supply and the role of local harm reduction organisations in supporting affected individuals. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone interested in addiction medicine, this episode offers a blend of expert knowledge and heartfelt advocacy. Tune in to learn how to provide better care for those impacted by adulterated drugs and why it's crucial to build trust with your patients.
Don't miss out on this engaging and informative discussion that aims to transform how we approach addiction treatment and harm reduction.