Several of my most recent blogs have focused on the rise of various adulterants in the illicit drug supply and how drug trends in Philadelphia make their way into all parts of New Jersey. That is now happening with medetomidine, a potent synthetic sedative used in veterinary medicine.

This drug is very dangerous, as when it is mixed with fentanyl, it extends the effect of the drug over a longer period of time.  Users are heavily sedated and experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

This New York Times article describes the terrible effects of the drug, including one individual with a long history of illicit drug use stating that “he had never experienced anything as terrifyingly all-consuming as this.” Up to date information on medetomidine was also provided in our  Knock Out Learning Series Webinar: Opioids & Synthetics: What you need to know, that took place in January.

Keeping track of various drug trends is a challenge. We have seen heroin, nitazenes, xylazine combined with fentanyl, and now we have medetomidine. And we can be certain drug dealers will continue to seek more potent, more addictive and less expensive drug combinations in the future.

The most cost-effective and healthiest strategy for good mental and physical well-being of our nation is to convince people, most especially our youth, not to experiment even once with these and other mind-altering drugs. That has been the mission of PDNFJ since its inception and remains so today.

Please consider scheduling the  15 Minute Child Break Presentation, for your school, community or faith-based organization. This free multi-media program covers the latest drug trends and provides parents, coaches, teachers and other adult caregivers with effective preventive strategies to communicate with their kids about substance use and misuse.