A Public Health Approach to Xylazine
Biden, we need a public health approach to xylazine. The criminalization of xylazine blocks research and support, and leads to more potent illicit drugs. Read on for our public health recommendations for the Biden Administration.
Drug Policy Alliance
The nation’s leading org promoting drug policies grounded in evidence, health, equity, & human rights. #NoMoreDrugWar ED: @kassandra_fred. 501c4: @drugpolicyact
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Biden, we need a public health approach to xylazine.
— Drug Policy Alliance (@DrugPolicyOrg) April 13, 2023
The criminalization of xylazine blocks research and support, and leads to more potent illicit drugs.
Read on for our public health recommendations for the Biden Administration. -
1. Prioritize fact-based public education.
— Drug Policy Alliance (@DrugPolicyOrg) April 13, 2023
Education about xylazine for people who may be accidentally exposed to xylazine-adulterated drugs. -
2. Increase access to overdose prevention services.
— Drug Policy Alliance (@DrugPolicyOrg) April 13, 2023
- xylazine test strips
- overdose prevention centers
- and more -
3. Expand addiction services and social supports.
— Drug Policy Alliance (@DrugPolicyOrg) April 13, 2023
This includes evidence-based treatment and recovery services. -
4. Increase access to methadone & buprenorphine.
— Drug Policy Alliance (@DrugPolicyOrg) April 13, 2023
These medications treat opioid use disorder. Most people exposed to xylazine are using opioid drugs. -
5. Fund further research into xylazine.
— Drug Policy Alliance (@DrugPolicyOrg) April 13, 2023
This research can uncover potential harms and benefits, and potential antagonists that could reverse xylazine-involved overdoses. -
6. Do not schedule xylazine.
— Drug Policy Alliance (@DrugPolicyOrg) April 13, 2023
Scheduling drugs on the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) makes it more difficult for researchers to study them and develop effective treatments for people who use them. -
7. Train medical staff to respond to xylazine.
— Drug Policy Alliance (@DrugPolicyOrg) April 13, 2023
Medical and emergency staff need to know how to appropriately treat xylazine-related wounds and how to care for patients who may be experiencing xylazine withdrawal.