About this episode:

Medetomidine, a veterinary sedative similar to xylazine, is appearing more frequently in drug supplies in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania—and the withdrawal symptoms are debilitating. In this episode: Addiction medicine specialist Jordan Nahas-Vigon details the risks facing people who use drugs and why it's so difficult to quit.

Guests:

Dr. Jordan Nahas-Vigon is a primary care doctor with Johns Hopkins Medicine who specializes in addiction medicine.

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department.

Show links and related content:

• A Powerful New Drug Is Creating a 'Withdrawal Crisis' in Philadelphia—New York Times

• Why the animal sedative behind a Baltimore mass overdose is so hard to quit—The Baltimore Banner

• Sedative 'dex' is replacing 'tranq' in illegal drug supply and causing excruciating withdrawal—STAT

• The Xylazine Crisis—Public Health On Call (May 2023)

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Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.