Opioid use and its consequences continue to be a serious problem across the United States. The opioid landscape has experienced several recent shifts due to changes in demand and supply, the social determinants of health, and other risk and protective factors. The introduction of fentanyl into the ongoing epidemic was one such change. Due to its extreme potency, fentanyl is responsible for an ever-increasing number of fatal overdoses each year. Another change has been the spread of xylazine (“tranq”) use. Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative that is frequently used in conjunction with opioids to amplify and extend their effects. Use of each of these substances can occur intentionally or unintentionally, and both present challenges to prevention professionals.
This webinar will provide a broad overview of current opioid use and related trends in SAMHSA Region 3 and nationwide. It will review changes in use and consequences, and ongoing shifts in substance preferences— particularly the expanded use of fentanyl. Data on xylazine use are limited, but available information will also be shared. The webinar will also discuss the increasing frequency of polysubstance use involving opioids. It will review the different types of substances used—intentionally or unintentionally— with opioids, including xylazine, stimulants, and cannabis, and the extent to which this use occurs. Lastly, the webinar will review the latest research on the social determinants of health and other risk and protective factors impacting the opioid epidemic.
At the end of this training, participants will be able to: