Satirical article instigates debate about naloxone
Plus, posts discussed medical marijuana ahead of a new executive order reclassifying the drug.
Plus, posts discussed medical marijuana ahead of a new executive order reclassifying the drug.
On December 3, a satirical newspaper published an article poking fun at the current administration’s views on harm reduction. In response, social media users repeated the common false claim that naloxone encourages drug use. Other posts responded to reports that President Donald Trump was poised to issue an executive order expanding access to medical marijuana, which was signed on December 18. Plus, social media users highlighted the risks of using xylazine, a sedative that’s often unknowingly mixed with other drugs.
Given these discussions, communicators may recirculate information about naloxone, share messaging about medical marijuana, and outline the dangers of xylazine.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use
On December 3, the satirical newspaper the Onion published an article titled, “FDA Approves New Drug That Reverses Effects Of Narcan.” The Onion shared the headline on Instagram, where the post received nearly 1 million views, 80,000 likes, and 400 comments as of December 17. Most commenters praised the headline’s dark humor and expressed frustration with the current administration’s attempts to limit funding for harm reduction programs. Some said that they had initially believed it was a legitimate headline before recognizing that it was satire, and several expressed support for widespread access to naloxone. However, several others expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people who use opioids, suggesting that they should face the “natural consequences” of opioid use instead of being revived by a lifesaving medication. A few alleged that naloxone “promotes” drug use.
President Trump signed an executive order on December 18 reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug (a class that includes steroids and certain pain medications) rather than a Schedule I drug (a class that includes heroin, LSD, and MDMA), opening the door to more research and access. In the days before the executive order was issued, many social media users expressed hope that it could make it easier for people with chronic pain, cancer, and mental health conditions to access medical marijuana and reduce prescription opioid use. Others worried that the executive order would make it harder to access marijuana for recreational use in states where it’s legal.
On December 7, an Instagram user shared a post warning that xylazine, a veterinary sedative that some people use recreationally, causes skin infections and necrosis. Many commenters expressed shock and disgust at the drug’s effects. Some shared how xylazine harmed them personally and encouraged people who use xylazine and other illicit drugs to seek treatment. Others suggested that the post exaggerated xylazine’s dangers.
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Recommendations for public health professionals
The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.
Conversation about harm reduction policies and naloxone often attract stigmatizing comments. In response, messaging may emphasize that this lifesaving medication can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. Communicators may explain that research shows that providing naloxone does not increase drug use and that experts have consistently attributed declining overdose deaths to the availability of naloxone. Messaging may stress that anyone can carry and administer naloxone. Communicators may want to outline the signs of an opioid overdose and share where people can access naloxone nearby.
Conversations about medical marijuana and the drug’s reclassification may lead to questions about its uses. Messaging may highlight that people experiencing pain, insomnia, or anxiety should talk with their health care provider to learn about available treatment options, as well as the potential risks of marijuana use. Communicators may clarify that the reclassification does not federally legalize marijuana, so people can be arrested for possessing it, especially in areas like airports or national parks. Circulating information about your state’s marijuana laws is recommended.
Given discussions about xylazine, messaging may emphasize that it is a non-opioid tranquilizer that often appears alongside fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose and also leading to concerns like skin ulcers and tissue death. Outlining how xylazine test strips help reduce the harms associated with this substance is recommended. Messaging may highlight that community members may be able to find free test strips through local harm reduction programs or purchase them online. However, they are not legal everywhere, so communicators should stay up to date on local drug checking equipment laws. Messaging may also emphasize that the only way to know for sure if a drug contains xylazine is to test the entire batch. Additional messaging may stress that naloxone should be administered for any suspected overdose—clarifying that naloxone is only effective against opioids but that it won’t hurt someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.