Presenter

Yifrah Kaminer MD., MBA
Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Pediatrics
Alcohol Research Ctr
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Farmington, CT

Overview

Opioids (mainly Fentanyl), Xylazine and stimulants are composing the present 4th wave of fatal drug overdose (OD) in the US including among youth. Manner of death, maybe nonintentional (accidental) or Intentional (with suicidal intent). The objectives of this presentation are to share findings regarding my studies examining; A) The rate of intentional fatal OD among 10-26 Y.O.  individuals in CT based on 2 studies of death certificates at the office of the CT Medical Examiner, and B) Association between a history of OD and predictors of suicidal intent among emerging adults (18-26 Y.O.) with opioid use disorder at methadone treatment clinics.

Target Audience

This session is designed for Rhode Island physicians (primary care and specialists), psychologists, social workers, residents, fellows, medical students, and all other allied health professionals. 

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be better able to:

1. Review the scope of fatal drug overdose (OD) and suicide among youth (age10-25 years) in CT.
2. Examine the desire and intent to die by drug OD among emerging/young adults in treatment for opioid use disorders.
3. Report potential predictors/markers regarding the association of suicidal intentionality and OD and discuss potential measures for prevention intervention.