Symposium: Addressing the Emerging Drug Threat of Fentanyl Adulterated or Associated with Xylazine via Harm Reduction and Clinical Innovation-Addressing the Emerging Drug Threat of Fentanyl Adulterated or Associated with Xylazine via Harm Reduction and Clinical Innovation

Addressing the Emerging Drug Threat of Fentanyl Adulterated or Associated with Xylazine via Harm Reduction and Clinical Innovation

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In this final symposium at the AAAP conference, the discussion centered around the growing threat of fentanyl adulterated with xylazine, and how emerging drug trends are being tackled through harm reduction and clinical innovations. The symposium was chaired by Dr. Adam Gordon and included experts from various institutions. Key speakers included Grant Baldwin from the CDC, Dr. Joseph Liberto from the VA, and Elizabeth Oliva from the VA Center for Innovation and Implementation.<br /><br />Dr. Baldwin presented recent data showing a decrease in U.S. overdose deaths, attributing it to various interventions, including wider naloxone availability and transitions in drug use behaviors from injection to smoking. He emphasized the increasing presence of xylazine in the drug supply, and its identification as an emerging drug threat owing to its severe health implications.<br /><br />Dr. Liberto and Dr. Oliva highlighted the VA's strategies in addressing substance use disorders (SUD) among veterans. They emphasized the expansion of evidence-based treatments, the integration of harm reduction measures like naloxone distribution, and innovation in care models to enhance treatment pathways. Notably, the VA's initiatives have expanded beyond traditional SUD specialty care to include primary care, mental health, and pain clinics, fostering better management of emerging drug threats like xylazine.<br /><br />Dr. Gordon concluded by stressing the strategic shift towards inclusive harm reduction strategies and collaborative care models, which have successfully increased veteran access to medication treatment and integrated care management practices, especially crucial in addressing complex cases of xylosine exposure. The symposium underscored the importance of adaptive health systems and informed community engagement to mitigate the risks posed by evolving drug challenges.

Keywords

Veterans Affairs

opioid crisis

fentanyl

xylosine

overdose rates

harm reduction

naloxone distribution

substance use disorders

holistic care

syringe service programs

addiction treatment

veteran health

AAAP conference

xylazine

emerging drug trends

clinical innovations

Dr. Adam Gordon

Grant Baldwin

CDC

Dr. Joseph Liberto

Elizabeth Oliva

naloxone

veterans

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