Xylazine: Worsening the Opiate Crisis

In this course, Dr. Fredrick Dombrowski (LMHC, CASACM, LPC, LADC, NCC, CCMHC, MAC, ACS, BC-TMH, HS-BCP, ICADC, DCMHS, Department Chair, University of Bridgeport), traces the recent history of overdose deaths in the United States, leading to the present situation of Xylazine, a central nervous system depressant, being mixed with Fentanyl to produce a longer but often deadly high. Dr. Dombrowski explains the signs, symptoms, and effects of such an overdose and what the health provider’s response should be. He offers interventions you can use to help those contemplating change from using substances like Xylazine, including multiple worksheets which utilise a motivational interviewing approach. You learn how to coordinate care with other providers regarding Xylazine.