CELORON, N.Y. — Michael Cave, 43, of Dunkirk, has been addicted to drugs since he was 13.

What You Need To Know

  •  The drug, Xylazine, is getting mixed with other potent drugs

  •  Xylazine can cause open wounds and sores

  • Chautauqua County Mental Health Association hosted a wound care summit for medical professionals and others

"[I] started out using hard drugs, crack cocaine," said Cave.

He says it then led to use of methamphetamines and fentanyl.

"[It] brought me to being homeless and I was living in the woods," said Cave.

Drugs mixed with xylazine was the subject of a training Wednesday in Chautauqua County, as the drug is not only present there, but also Onondaga and Monroe counties as well. 

It can leave open wounds and sores on the body. Cave has the scars to prove it.

“I had so many wounds I was probably at the risk of amputation,” said Cave. “I got to the point of despair, thoughts of suicide.”

To help others like Cave, the Mental Health Association (MHA) together with the Opioid Response Network hosted a wound care summit.

Speakers from the Columbia School of Nursing in New York City led the training to educate first responders, public health nurses, clinicians and others how to treat xylazine wounds. 

"What we can do and what we can't do, and at what point do we need to reach out for more professional help in serving these folks we're working with?" said Steven Cobb, executive director, Chautauqua County Mental Health Association.

Folks like Cave, who was tired of seeing his skin fall off and had MHA wrap it back up.

Cave entered rehab and is seven months clean. He spoke at the event and now helps MHA, making care kits and giving support to others. He's grateful for getting, too.

"They loved me when I didn't love myself,” said Cave. “I truly believe that they helped save my life. I owe them a lot, you know, because of them they steered me into a more productive life, getting clean.”