ResearchProjects

The emergence and increasing prevalence of xylazine in the unregulated drug supply, and particularly the co-use of xylazine and fentanyl, poses multiple threats to the health and safety of people who use drugs. Both xylazine and fentanyl have been shown to independently increase HIV risk behaviors, and fentanyl can accelerate HIV disease. Co-use of xylazine and fentanyl is also complicating substance use treatment and increasing the risk of necrotic skin infections.

This study assessed repeated xylazine use, possible dependence on xylazine and retention of knowledge about xylazine among a cohort of people who inject drugs. It also explored HIV-related risk behaviors among people who use xylazine, and examined whether the use of xylazine test strips reduces HIV/HCV risk.