This 90-minute webinar provides a detailed review of emerging drugs impacting non-metropolitan rural communities across the United States. Epidemiological data on synthetic drugs, fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, xylazine, cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, mixed opioids/stimulants, and vaping is presented. The presentation defines key terms, describes the major classes of emerging drugs, presents available data on the extent of use, and discusses the acute and chronic effects. The presentation concludes with a discussion on how to implement effective harm reduction approaches for synthetic drugs, and strategies for overcoming barriers to accessing treatment and harm reduction services in rural areas.
