Episode 25 - Variants and Novel Drugs

Dr. Schlicher sits down with Sasha Kaiser, MD, Associate Medical Director of Washington Poison Center, who discusses current trends in drug overdose deaths, highlighting the impact of synthetic opioids, adulterants, and novel substances, as well as the clinical risks of contaminated or counterfeit drugs and when to involve poison control. Learners will also learn patient-centered communication strategies to build trust, explore substance use nonjudgmentally, and support harm reduction efforts.

Learning Objectives

• Explain current trends in drug overdose deaths, including the role of synthetic opioids, adulterants, and novel substances.
• Identify the clinical implications of contaminated or counterfeit drugs and appropriate responses, including when to consult poison control.
• Use patient-centered communication strategies to build trust, explore substance use nonjudgmentally, and support harm reduction efforts.

Release date: June 2, 2025

Expiration date: June 1, 2028

Audio-only Versions

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MP3

Resources

Variants and Novel Drugs slides

WA Poison Control Center
Reach the Poison Center at 800.222.1222

Claim CME Credit

To claim CME credit, watch or listen to the podcast, then complete the evaluation below. Once the evaluation is completed, it will be forwarded to the CME and MOC credit claim. To claim MOC, you must earn 100% on the quiz component.

Evaluation and credit claim