A Resource for Healthcare and Social Services Professionals
Xylazine 102: Focus on Wound Care
This four-minute explainer video, written by Raagini Jawa, MD, MPH, FASAM, and Samantha Blakemore, MPH, builds upon our "Xylazine 101" video to provide an introduction to dealing with xylazine-related wounds. For more information on xylazine-related overdose and wound care, please check out the Xylazine section of our Harm Reduction resources page: https://addictiontraining.org/resources/?category=15#Xylazine
Pharmacodynamics of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
This four-minute explainer video, written by Justin Alves, MSN, FNP-BC, ACRN, CARN, CNE; Alexa Wilder, MPH; Vanessa Loukas, MSN, FNP-C, CARN-AP; and Alicia Ventura, MPH, describes the medications used to treat opioid use disorder and their mechanisms of action.
Harm reduction strategies for cannabis use
This three-minute explainer video, written by Kristin Wason, MSN, NP-C, CARN, and Samantha Blakemore, MPH, introduces the risks associated with frequent cannabis use and strategies to help people using cannabis mitigate some of the associated harms.
Adolescent e-cigarette use: Clinical conversation tools
This three-minute explainer video, written by Brittany Carney, DNP, FNP-BC, and Matthew Heerema, MS, introduces the risks associated with early e-cigarette use and provides helpful tips for professionals seeking to address tobacco use in youth.
Reframing and Responding to Protective Behaviors Associated With Stimulant Use
This three-minute explainer video, written by Justin Alves, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, ACRN, CARN, CNE, and Alexa Wilder, MPH, describes protective behaviors that are common among people misusing stimulants and offers trauma-informed, person-centered responses.
How to use an overdose prevention helpline
This three-minute explainer video, written by Stephen Murray, MPH, NRP, and Matthew Heerema, MS, provides an introduction to overdose prevention helplines and how they work. To connect with SafeSpot, formerly known as the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline, call 1-800-972-0590 or visit https://safe-spot.me/
Xylazine 101
This three-minute explainer video, written by Raagini Jawa, MD, MPH, FASAM, and Samantha Blakemore, MPH, provides an introduction to xylazine and xylazine-related harms. For more information on xylazine-related overdose and wound care, please check out the Xylazine section of our Harm Reduction resources page: https://addictiontraining.org/resources/?category=15#Xylazine
Information impacts action: Debunking myths about the family and recovery
This three-minute explainer video, written by Matthew Heerema, MS, and Alicia Ventura, MPH, challenges long-standing myths and assumptions about family members impacted by a loved one's substance use.
*DISCLAIMER
*Please note: Federal funding cannot be used directly or through subsequent reimbursement of grantees to purchase pipes used in safer smoking kits or syringes for the purpose of injection use unless purchased under Section 2706 of ARPA.
The content below is intended solely to inform and educate medical professionals and addiction care teams and does not necessarily represent the views or positions of our funders. Material from Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction Training & Technical Assistance may not be used for medical advice and is not a substitute for the advice or treatment of a qualified medical professional. Practitioners should always consult their state practice laws and exercise their best professional judgment before making clinical decisions of any kind. Anyone using these materials assumes full responsibility for their appropriate use. Boston Medical Center, including Grayken Center for Addiction Training & Technical Assistance, assumes no liability for any decision made or action taken in reliance on this information.
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Safer smoking: Harm reduction tips for hot rails
In this safer smoking harm reduction video, we review how to vaporize substances that may be inhaled to reduce risks associated with this method of substance use.
Safer sniffing
In this harm reduction video, we review harm reduction strategies to minimize some of the risks associated with sniffing or snorting substances.
Safer smoking: Screens as a filter for straight stems
In this safer smoking harm reduction video, we review how to use screens as a filter for straight stems to reduce risks associated with this method of substance use.
Safer smoking: Chore as a filter for straight stems
In this safer smoking harm reduction video, we review how to use chore as a filter for straight stems to reduce risks associated with this method of substance use.
Safer smoking: Safer use of a straight stem
In this safer smoking harm reduction video, we discuss the safer use of a straight stem. We review preparation, equipment, and hygiene tips to minimize the risks associated with this method of substance use.
Safer smoking: Safer use of a hammer pipe
In this safer smoking harm reduction video, we discuss the safer use of a hammer pipe to reduce risks associated with this method of substance use.
Safer smoking: Safer use of a bubble pipe
In this safer smoking harm reduction video, we discuss the safer use of a bubble pipe. We review preparation, equipment, and hygiene tips to minimize the risks associated with this method of substance use.
Safer injection: How to bleach a syringe
In this harm reduction video, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean a syringe with bleach. The best practice to reduce HIV transmission is to use a sterile syringe and equipment for each injection. Bleaching the syringe using proper technique can lower risk of HIV transmission associated with reusing or sharing syringes in cases where new sterile ones aren't available. Individuals at risk for HIV transmission should be screened for HIV and speak to a healthcare professional about ways to get pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for prevention of HIV.
Safer injection technique
In this harm reduction video, we review safer injection techniques to help minimize some of the risks associated with injection drug use. We review preparation, equipment, and hygiene tips to minimize the risks associated with this method of substance use.
Safer injection: Reviewing syringe anatomy
In this harm reduction video, we review the different parts that make up a syringe.
Safer injection: Comparing needle sizes
In this harm reduction video, we discuss the importance of selecting the appropriate needle size for a safer injection. We compare different needle sizes, highlighting their specific uses and potential risks.
Safer injection: How to apply a tourniquet
In this harm reduction video, we demonstrate the proper technique for applying a tourniquet. Understanding how to use a tourniquet safely can help reduce some of the risks associated with injecting substances.
Safer booty bumping
This harm reduction video provides information on how to reduce risks associated with using substances intrarectally, known as booty bumping. We review preparation, equipment, and hygiene tips to minimize the risks associated with this method of substance use.
Overdose prevention: Reviewing different naloxone formulations
This harm reduction video reviews the various formulations of naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdose. Understanding the different options available can help people use naloxone effectively in overdose emergencies, potentially saving lives and preventing overdose fatalities. While naloxone is not a substitute for medical care, it is an essential tool in the immediate response to an opioid overdose.
Overdose prevention: How to use a fentanyl test strip
This harm reduction video demonstrates how to use a fentanyl test strip to detect if a substance has fentanyl in it. Knowing whether a drug contains fentanyl can help people who use drugs make informed decisions, take precautions, and potentially avoid overdose.
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Extended-Release Buprenorphine: An Instructional Guide
Extended-Release Buprenorphine: An Instructional Guide illustrates clinical pearls and step-by-step administration of extended-release buprenorphine (Sublocade®) based on the experience of clinicians at Boston Medical Center's Office Based Addiction Treatment Program. The video reflects the security, storage, and handling requirements of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Massachusetts state law, and Boston Medical Center hospital policy
Demystifying Bacterial Infections in Patients with Substance Use Disorders
Written by Simeon Kimmel, MD, MA, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and Medical Director, BMC Project TRUST
Medications for Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
Written by Richard Saitz, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and Chair and Professor of Community Health Sciences at Boston University School of Public Health
Common Dilemmas in the Ethical Treatment of Inpatients with Substance Use Disorders
Written by Zoe Weinstein, MD, MSc, Director of the BMC Addiction Consult Service and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine
Initiation of Buprenorphine in Patients who are NOT Opioid Dependent
Written by Kristin Wason, MSN, AGPCNP, CARN, Clinical Nurse Educator, BMC OBAT TTA
Reducing the Harms of Incarceration for People with Opioid Use Disorder
Written by Jonathan M. Giftos, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and featuring Karen Hannon, BSN, RN, LADAC II, CARN, Nurse Manager and Corrections Liaison, BMC OBAT.
Methadone and the risk of prolonged QTc Interval - A risk/benefit discussion
Written by Bradley M. Buchheit, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University
HIV Prevention in People Who Inject Drugs: PrEP and PEP
Written by Jessica Taylor, MD, Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Medicine and Medical Director, Faster Paths to Treatment, Boston Medical Center
Be Prepared: Develop an Overdose Response Plan
Written by Donna Beers, MSN, RN-BC, CARN, Associate Director of the HEALing Communities Study Massachusetts; Gabriel Wishik, MD, MPH, Instructor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine; and Alicia Ventura, MPH, Director of Special Projects and Research, BMC OBAT TTA.
Educating Clients on Safer Injection Practices
Written by Gabriel Wishik, MD, MPH, Instructor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine
Caring for Young Adults with Substance Use Disorder
Written by Scott Hadland, MD, MPH, MS, pediatrician at Boston Medical Center and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine.
The Unmet Need for Family Planning Services in Addiction Treatment Settings
Written by Annie L. Potter, MSN, MPH, NP, CARN-AP, nurse practitioner and Clinical Nurse Educator, BMC OBAT TTA.
Tell Me What to Say: How to Approach Challenging Patient Conversations
Written by Lexie Bergeron, MPH, LCSW, Program Director, BMC OBAT TTA
Polysubstance Use: The Norm Not The Exception
Written by Alexander Y. Walley, MD, MSc, Associate Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine.
Intersection of Pain and Addiction
Written by Daniel Alford, MD, MPH, Director of Boston Medical Center's Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit and the SCOPE of Pain program.
Addiction Impacts the Entire Family: Pearls for Providers
Written by Alicia S. Ventura, MPH, Director of Special Projects and Research, BMC OBAT TTA
Dr. Ayana Jordan: "COVID-19 is Terrible, But I am More Likely to Die From Structural Racism"
Grayken Center for Addiction TTA is a program of Boston Medical Center (BMC), a 514-bed academic medical center located in Boston's historic South End and the largest safety-net hospital in New England.
The content on this site and the content presented by Grayken Center for Addiction TTA is intended solely to inform and educate healthcare and social service professionals, and shall not be used for medical advice and is not a substitute for the advice or treatment of a qualified medical professional. The hospital, the program, and the contributors are not acting as health care providers or professional consultants on behalf of any specific patient and disclaim establishing a provider-patient relationship with any specific patient.