What hidden dangers lurk in common pain medications? Do they have an impact on the current opioid epidemic?

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell weigh in on the opioid crisis in the United States, focusing on appropriate pain management strategies with special guest Dr. Shiraz Yazdani, a leading pain management expert. Together, they discuss the rising trends in opioid-related deaths and highlight practical solutions for both medical professionals and the general public to handle pain responsibly.

Learn about the latest best practices for preventing opioid misuse, alternative non-opioid pain treatment options, and essential safety measures everyone should know.

Dr. Gray, Dr. Sorrell and Dr. Yazdani discuss: 

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• The emergence of fentanyl mixed with xylazine and its contribution to the opioid crisis
  
• What the signs and symptoms are of a potential opioid overdose
  
• What to do if you encounter someone showing signs of an opioid overdose
  
• Alternative pain management strategies to avoid long-term opioid use
  
• And more
  

Resources:

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• CDC: Preventing Opioid Overdose
  
• CDC: Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
  
• CDC: What You Should Know About Xylazine
  
• NIH: The Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative
  
• NHH: National Opioids Crisis: Help and Resources
  
• National Hotline Number for Opioid Crisis: 1-800-662-4357
  

Connect with Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell: 

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• The Med Edit Podcast
  
• Instagram: @TheMedEditPodcast
  
• Facebook: The Med Edit Podcast
  
• LinkedIn: The Med Edit Podcast
  
• LinkedIn: Dr. Jessica Gray
  
• LinkedIn: Dr. Cari Sorrell
  

About Our Guest: 

Dr. Shiraz Yazdani is a board-certified Pain Medicine physician located in Lubbock, Texas, focusing on advanced interventional therapies for treating chronic pain pathologies.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:

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•  Continuing Medical Education Credit
  

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and The Med Edit Podcast. Texas Tech University Health Science Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.