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

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.