Volume 5 | April 2023
Maine SUD Learning Community Newsletter
MAINE HIGHLIGHTS
To learn more, please visit our Faculty page on the ME SUD Learning Community website.
FACULTY'S CORNER
Substance Use Disorder Journal Club
Greetings to all,
 
This study was recently highlighted in a major news outlet for its positive findings. It spotlights our good old friend, naltrexone. Though naltrexone cannot be used in our patients on full or partial opioid agonist therapy, I thought it was worth going beyond the headlines given the increase in everything alcohol, along with what seems like a growing popular mention of this dosing strategy. 
 
Hope you find it helpful,
Andrea Truncali 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Xylazine?
Developed by Dr. Mercedes Volk & Dr. Elizabeth Joyce
  • A non-opioid agent that the FDA originally approved in 1972 as a sedative and analgesic for use in veterinary medicine (not FDA approved for use in humans)
  • Acts as a central alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist in the brainstem (like clonidine)
  • Rapid decrease in the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS)
  • May also bind to other CNS receptors
  • Structurally similar to levamisole, clonidine, and tizanidine
  • Recently, xylazine has primarily been identified in the drug supply in combination with heroin and fentanyl. Stimulants (e.g., methamphetamine and cocaine) have also been combined with xylazine
  • Xylazine is often an additive/adulterant (slang: ‘cut’) that people do not necessarily know they are using
  • Can be injected, snorted, swallowed, inhaled
  • Street names: tranq, tranq dope
For these questions and technical assistance, contact the ME SUD Learning Community
RECOVERY NOTES
Personal Recovery Story

Freddy Petrone

By Journey Team

Four years ago, Freddy Petrone spent his birthday at the driving range at Cape Neddick Country Club, and when he placed a ball on the tee and took a swing, it disappeared immediately.

He lost sight of every ball that came off his club, and he knew in his gut something was terribly wrong.

Petrone, a daily drinker, relied on alcohol to cope with his diagnosis, and his heavy drinking kept him from enjoying what little vision he had left.


RESOURCES


(Opioid Clinical Advisory Committee Guidance Document)

April 4, 2023 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM Or May 2, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Speakers: Alane O'Connor, DNP, and Rachel Solotaroff, MD



April 13, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Speakers: Petros Levounis, MD, MA


April 20, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Speakers: Randy Morrison, MPPM, MPH, CIPSS


May 10, 2023 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Speakers: Nicole Kosanke, PhD


June 7, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Speakers: Kinna Thakarar DO, MPH
Online Self-paced courses for CME's
Please visit the ME SUD Learning Community website for upcoming Events and Resources.