Xylazine: What Do Providers Need to Know to Address New and Emerging Drugs

Location: Flores 1-2 Session Description: This workshop will provide an overview of the emerging issue of xylazine. Providers working in local communities need to be prepared for this emerging issue and how it complicates the response to opioid overdose. The session will begin with a description of xylazine, including its mechanism of action and the acute and chronic physical health problems caused by the use of xylazine in combination with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The presentation will focus on how to implement effective harm reduction approaches for fentanyl and xylazine, and strategies for overcoming barriers to accessing treatment and harm reduction services.