Xylazine and Fentanyl: Unpacking the Hidden Dangers in Modern Drug Use
Episode Overview
Dr. Robyn Jordan and Dr. Zoe McElligott investigate the impact of xylazine on fentanyl intoxication and withdrawal, challenging existing assumptions in addiction medicine. The presentation at the 2023 Addiction Medicine Conference provides insights into the complexities of the current drug supply and the urgent need for further research and clinical understanding. The discussion highlights the potential implications of xylazine's interaction with opioids, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of fentanyl and its impact on opioid dependence. The hosts underscore the crucial role of translational research and behavioral studies to unravel the neurobiological interactions of xylazine and opioids. The episode offers a compelling perspective on the emerging challenges in addiction medicine, shaping future insights and clinical implications.
So we talked about the evolution of the drug supply, this introduction of xylazine and how that could be interacting directly with opioid intoxication, but also opioid withdrawal and how mouse models are now going to be used like now to start to understand this relationship. So hopefully we'll start to get some answers very, very soon.
Ever wondered how new substances are complicating the already tangled web of opioid addiction? In this compelling episode of the Addiction Medicine Podcast, Dr. Robyn Jordan and Dr. Zoe McElligott dive into the unsettling rise of xylazine in the fentanyl supply. Recorded at the 2023 Addiction Medicine Conference in Asheville, North Carolina, this discussion sheds light on how xylazine is impacting both fentanyl intoxication and withdrawal, presenting fresh challenges for healthcare professionals and those battling addiction alike. Dr.
Jordan, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Specialist, alongside Dr. McElligott, an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, bring their extensive expertise to the table. They break down the complexities of xylazine's interaction with opioids, revealing why this emerging issue demands urgent attention and further research. If you're curious about the evolving landscape of drug use and its implications for addiction treatment, this episode is a must-listen.
It offers not just clinical insights but also underscores the pressing need for updated strategies to combat these new threats. Perfect for healthcare professionals, policymakers, or anyone keen to understand the latest developments in addiction medicine, this episode promises to be both enlightening and thought-provoking.