Adulterants are chemicals or other drugs added to existing drugs to increase bulk, enhance effects, or reduce manufacturing cost. These additives make the unregulated drug supply highly unpredictable and significantly increase the risk of adverse health effects, including overdoses.

This session will provide an overview of common and emerging drug adulterants affecting the current drug supply and their implications for overdose prevention and response, including which overdose-related symptoms may respond to naloxone and which may require additional medical intervention.

Learning Objectives

• Describe commonly encountered opioids and emerging adulterants found in the unregulated drug supply
• Identify key educational messages to share with clients about common adulterants in the drug supply and overdose prevention strategies
• Recognize the key components of a client assessment that incorporates both technical skills and empathetic communication

Other Related Trainings

Motivational Interviewing

AUGUST 20, 2026 | This interactive skill-building learning collaborative is designed to strengthen participants’ ability to use motivational interviewing (MI) techniques when working with people who use drugs.

Learn More

National Perspectives on Harm Reduction and Community Health

This session describes the impact of drug use from a national and local perspective, examines the social impact of drug use on communities, and identifies national and local harm reduction activities. Surveillance data will be presented to highlight national and local trends.

All four 2023 Harm Reduction Conference training sessions must be taken to receive a total of 3.25 credit hours.

Learn More