Overdose Increase and Drug Supply Changes
Throughout New Mexico, cities and counties have seen spikes in fentanyl overdoses in recent months. The illicit fentanyl supply has had significant variability in fentanyl concentration, with potency often differing substantially from one batch to the next. Additionally, there have been instances of accidental mix ups where powdered fentanyl is being sold as cocaine or methamphetamine (and vice versa).
Sedatives such as medetomidine and xylazine have also continued to be identified as adulterants in fentanyl samples, which can complicate overdose response and cause additional health risks. It is encouraged to learn how to identify an opioid overdose and how to respond when sedatives may also be involved. Click on the below resource to find out more information.
Additional Resources
- Fentanyl FAQ
- Medetomidine FAQ
- Medetomidine Overview and Response
- Xylazine FAQ
- How to Respond to an OD
- Sedative Involved Opioid Overdoses
- Other Ways to Prevent Overdose
- Article – High variation in purity of consumer-level illicit fentanyl samples in Los Angeles, September 2023–April 2025 | It examines the issue of the extreme variability of the illicit fentanyl products and the role it’s playing in the ongoing overdoses among opioid tolerant individuals. The findings in this study are similar to the variability within the fentanyl supply in New Mexico.
Extreme Heat Response Video (English)
Additional Heat Safety Videos (English)
Extreme Heat Response Video (Spanish)
Additional Heat Safety Videos (Spanish)
Additional Resources
English
- ABQ Harm Reduction Providers
- Carfentanil FAQ
- Cold Weather Safety for PWUD
- CRAFT Family Training
- Drug Checking by Mail
- Drug Checking Participant Guide
- Fentanyl FAQ
- How to Use FTS for Pressed Pills
- How to Use FTS for Syringe & Residue
- Harm Reduction Program Overview
- How to Administer Naloxone
- How to Respond to an OD
- Medetomidine Awareness Alert
- Medetomidine FAQ
- Medetomidine Overview and Response
- Medetomidine Withdrawal Card
- Methamphetamine FTS How To
- Methamphetamine Harm Reduction Tips
- Methamphetamine Side Effects Spectrum
- OD Prevention Resource Cards
- Other Ways to Prevent Overdose
- Overamping 101
- Overdosing vs Overamping
- Prescription Opioid Safety
- Preventing Shigella
- Rescue Breathing Instructions
- Sedative Involved Opioid Overdoses
- What is Harm Reduction
- Where to Find Naloxone in New Mexico
- How to Use XTS
- XTS & MTS How To
- Xylazine FAQ
- Xylazine Wound Care
Español
-
- Carfentanil FAQ (Spanish)
- Cold Weather Safety for PWUD (Spanish)
- CRAFT Family Training (Spanish)
- Drug Checking by Mail (Spanish)
- Drug Checking Participant Guide (Spanish)
- Fentanyl FAQ (Spanish)
- How to Use FTS for Pressed Pills (Spanish)
- How to Use FTS for Syringe & Residue (Spanish)
- Harm Reduction Program Overview (Spanish)
- How to Administer Naloxone (Spanish)
- How to Respond to an OD (Spanish)
- Medetomidine FAQs (Spanish)
- Medetomidine Overview and Response (Spanish)
- Medetomidine Withdrawal Card (Spanish)
- Methamphetamine FTS How To (Spanish)
- Methamphetamine Harm Reduction Tips (Spanish)
- Methamphetamine Side Effects Spectrum (Spanish)
- OD Prevention Resource Cards
- Other Ways to Prevent Overdose (Spanish)
- Overamping 101 (Spanish)
- Overdosing vs Overamping (Spanish)
- Prescription Opioid Safety (Spanish)
- Preventing Shigella (Spanish)
- Rescue Breathing Instructions (Spanish)
- Sedative Involved Opioid Overdoses (Spanish)
- What is Harm Reduction (Spanish)
- Where to Find Naloxone in New Mexico (Spanish)
- How to Use XTS (Spanish)
- XTS & MTS How To (Spanish)
- Xylazine FAQ (Spanish)
- Xylazine Wound Care (Spanish)
Are You Seeking Treatment for Substance Use?
For more information or to find a provider near you, visit NMPathways.org OR call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773
Resources for Download:
MOUD Information and Benefits
MOUD Info Cards
Videos Resources
Xylazine Update with Emily Baldwin, BSN, RN | May 22, 2024
Emily Baldwin is a Harm Reduction Nurse Educator in Pittsburgh and shares her expertise on the presence of xylazine in the drug supply. This discussion includes practical information on xylazine wounds and best practices for treatment of wounds.
MAT/MOUD Messaging with Dr. Joshua Leiderman, MD | Sept 9, 2024
Dr. Leiderman gives an overview of the new NM Pathways program, including how to discuss buprenorphine options with patients and what they can expect if starting medication assisted therapy.
Find In-Person Services
Click below to find in-person harm reduction or overdose prevention services near you, as well as HIV, Hepatitis C, and STD testing and treatment at no cost.