Facing the Silent Crisis: Drug Overdose Awareness Day
There is something that many do not like to talk about, but pretty much everyone has heard of…
Even with so much advocacy and education, there were 107,453 US drug overdose deaths in 2023, according to the CDC. Overdose death trends have evolved significantly over recent years, influenced by various factors including changes in drug availability, prescribing practices, economic conditions, and public health responses. Synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are often more potent and can be produced with higher purity compared to plant-based drugs such as opiates. This potency increases the risk of overdose because users may inadvertently consume much stronger substances than intended. Keeping up with emerging illicit drug trends can be challenging due to the constantly evolving nature of drug markets and the introduction of new substances. Some of you may have heard of xylazine and some may have not. Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is a veterinary tranquilizer that has been found in some illicit drug supplies. People often use xylazine without knowing it when it is added to other drugs, most frequently fentanyl. This can be a very deadly combination. We are also now hearing about another emerging drug, medetomidine. It has been found in the drug supply in Illinois. Medetomidine is a sedative drug primarily used in veterinary medicine, just like xylazine.
While heroin and prescription opiates are still a concern, we also are now seeing fentanyl added to other substances besides opiates. We are seeing the combination of fentanyl with cocaine. Fentanyl is relatively inexpensive to produce compared to cocaine. Adding it to cocaine can increase the profitability for drug dealers. Cross-contamination can also occur during the manufacturing or packaging process, leading to accidental mixing. More and more substance users are having positive drug screens for this drug combination. Many users report this is without their knowledge or consent. We are also seeing an upswing in marijuana laced with cocaine. While marijuana laced with cocaine can significantly increase health risks, particularly related to cardiovascular and mental health, one also needs to be concerned about the possibility of fentanyl or xylazine also getting added into this risky mix. Testing illicit drugs for fentanyl and xylazine is a form of harm reduction and test strips should be readily available. Mutual Ground has testing strips and Naloxone available for people needing these harm-reduction supplies. A list of other agencies that distribute in Kane County is attached in a link below.
International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31st. It aims to raise awareness about overdose deaths and reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths. The day honors those who have lost their lives to overdose and acknowledges the grief of families and friends left behind. It also serves as a reminder of the need for better drug policies, harm reduction efforts, and support for those struggling with substance use disorders. Many communities around the world hold events on this day to educate people about overdose prevention and to advocate for compassionate responses to substance use disorders.
An overdose can happen when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic amount of substance or a combination of substances. It’s possible to overdose on many substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescribed medication. Mutual Ground honors those lost and the families and loved ones affected by a drug overdose. Please watch for upcoming International Overdose Awareness Day events.
If you or someone you love needs help with a substance use disorder,
please contact Mutual Ground’s Substance Use Outpatient Program at: 630-897-1003.
Resources:
https://www.kanehealth.com/opioid-awareness/Pages/Get-Naloxone.aspx
https://www.prevention.org/a-dose-of-truth/
https://www.dea.gov/onepill
https://www.overdoseday.com/
References:
U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease in 2023, First Time Since 2018. (2024, May 15). CDC. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/20240515.htm
Xylazine. (2024, June 5). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/xylazine#common-xylazine-names
Written by Stephanie Adamson
Director of Substance Use Services at Mutual Ground
