Opioids, Fentanyl, and Xylazine: What are they and what do prevention professionals need to know and do to prevent overdose?

March 25, 2024

Webinar Description

The opioid misuse epidemic continues to affect youth and families throughout the Pacific Northwest region. As prevention practitioners, it is important to stay up to date on the latest research-based information related to this critical public health problem. The goal of this session is to provide prevention professionals with knowledge about opioids, fentanyl, and xylazine, including what are they and how they are similar and different. We will also focus on debunking common myths about occupational fentanyl exposure, naloxone safety, the use of medications for opioid use disorder in adolescents, and discuss the role prevention professionals can and should play in preventing drug overdose.

Webinar Objectives

In this webinar, participants will:

Understand what illicitly manufactured fentanyl is and how it compares to other opioids.
Describe what Xylazine is and how it is used in illicit substances.
Recognize current drug use trends in the Northwest region.
Debunk common myths around occupational fentanyl exposure, naloxone safety, and the use of medications for opioid use disorder in adolescents.

Webinar Recording and Slides

Opioids, Fentanyl, and Xylazine: What are they and what do prevention professionals need to know and do to prevent overdose? - Recording
Opioids, Fentanyl, and Xylazine: What are they and what do prevention professionals need to know and do to prevent overdose? - Slide Deck (PDF)

Additional Resources

Webinar Questions and Answers

Presenters

Nicole Rodin, PharmD, MBA

Nicole Rodin, PharmD, MBA is an Assistant Professor at the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her research focuses on public health efforts for pharmacy and research to understand preventative and treatment interventions for substance use disorders. Dr. Rodin is currently practicing at the WSU Research clinic where she acts as a clinical lead for patients that are in clinical trials finding novel ways to treat substance use disorders.

Kym Ahrens, MD, MPH

Kym Ahrens, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Institute and the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Ahrens’ research focuses on intervention development, design, and testing interventions to promote resilience and reduce risk among adolescent and young adult populations. In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Ahrens is Medical Director of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Juvenile Rehabilitation system.