Understanding how people reduce or stop injecting xylazine-adulterated fentanyl
Official title: Xylazine exposure and transitions to low-frequency injecting and injection cessation
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10950730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people in Connecticut who use fentanyl mixed with xylazine can reduce or stop their injecting habits, especially since the pandemic, and it aims to understand their experiences to help improve support and safety for others facing similar challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $266,742 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA061281-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in Connecticut who are currently using xylazine-adulterated fentanyl and are either reducing their injection frequency or considering cessation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use xylazine-adulterated fentanyl or are not engaged in injection drug use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals using xylazine-adulterated fentanyl transition to injecting less frequently or stop injecting altogether. It focuses on the experiences of people in Connecticut, a state significantly affected by this drug issue, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Through qualitative methods, the study aims to gather insights into the social and environmental factors influencing these transitions, which could help improve harm reduction strategies and support services for those affected. The findings may also address the risks of infections and overdose associated with drug use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing drug-related harms and supporting individuals in their journey to reduce or cease injection drug use.
How similar studies have gone: While there is emerging documentation of reduced injection practices among users of fentanyl, this specific focus on xylazine-adulterated fentanyl and its unique challenges is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcneil, Ryan — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mcneil, Ryan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.