Many communities across the United States have observed a surge in the use of certain synthetic drugs, leading to an increase in related fatalities and arrests. These substances are often produced illicitly to mimic other counterfeit of prescription drugs. It may also be used in combination with other drugs.
U.S. officials respond to drug trafficking
The Biden administration has recently unveiled comprehensive efforts to target and disrupt illicit trafficking of illegal substances. These efforts include working with the United Nations’ Commission on Narcotic Drugs, collaborating more closely with domestic intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and targeting financial sources of drug trafficking. These strategies involve engagement with the United Nations’ Commission on Narcotic Drugs, enhanced collaboration with domestic intelligence and law enforcement bodies, and targeting the financial underpinnings of narcotics distribution networks. Additionally, the administration has requested Congress allocate $46.1 billion to agencies under the National Drug Control Program, managed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Officials have also been intercepting shipments of xylazine, a potent tranquilizer typically used in veterinary settings. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a public safety alert regarding this substance.
When mixed with prescription pain medications, xylazine can drastically reduce respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature when misused.
Updates in Prescription Pain Medication Misuse Treatment Policies
To mitigate the deaths linked with the misuse of prescription meds, the FDA has greenlit the over-the-counter (OTC) use of Narcan, 4 milligram naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray. This is the first naloxone product to be approved for non-prescription use.
This approval means Narcan can be retailed in various outlets, including grocery stores and gas stations, though the timing for its OTC availability and consumer price remains undecided
Simultaneously, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is considering a policy adjustment to allow physicians to prescribe higher doses of methadone to patients struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). Currently, federal guidelines restrict initial of methadone. Currently, federal guidelines restrict initial methadone dosages to 30 milligrams, insufficient for individuals transitioning from the use of potent narcotics without experiencing severe discomfort.
The proposed revisions would allow for increased dosages, granting healthcare providers discretion to prescribe even higher amounts as needed.
Implementing Buprenorphine for Patients Using Strong Synthetic Drugs
Buprenorphine represents another therapeutic option for treating SUD, and recent studies suggest it can be effectively initiated in emergency settings for individuals consuming potent synthetic drugs. This new research has been published in JAMA Network Open. This insight opens new avenues for initiating buprenorphine therapy for individuals using strong synthetic narcotics.
As the challenges posed by the misuse of synthetic drugs and recovery efforts persist, it is crucial for behavioral health practitioners and addiction treatment specialists to be well-prepared. You can help your clients, while experiencing less frustration and lower costs, with an EHR solution like BestNotes, which was designed with behavioral health in mind, from admission to outcome tracking. Contact us today to learn more!