June 14, 2023
Also known as "tranq", xylazine is a powerful tranquilizer used in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry. This article examines its controversial use and the potential risks associated with it.
Imagine a drug so potent that it can transform individuals into seemingly lifeless beings, earning it the chilling moniker of the "zombie drug." Enter Xylazine, a tranquilizer originally intended for veterinary use but now infiltrating the shadows of the illicit drug trade and wreaking havoc on communities worldwide. In this article, we delve into the powerful world of Xylazine, unearthing its intended purpose, its illicit journey into the hands of abusers, and the controversies surrounding its use. Brace yourself for a deep dive into the dark side of this sedative and the unsettling phenomenon it has spawned.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, The non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer called Xylazine, despite not being approved for human use, has been associated with a rising number of overdose deaths amidst the ongoing drug addiction and overdose crisis. Research indicates that individuals exposed to Xylazine frequently used it alongside other substances, particularly illicit fentanyl, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Xylazine, a veterinary sedative, is causing concern among experts and authorities as they strive to determine its origin and provide assistance to individuals using it, especially as it becomes more prevalent in overdose cases. The Drug Enforcement Administration discovered xylazine in almost a quarter of the fentanyl powder it confiscated in 2022, prompting federal officials to classify it as an "emerging threat" in April.
Studies have revealed that xylazine is frequently combined with illicit opioids like fentanyl, with individuals reporting its use to prolong the euphoric effects of fentanyl. The majority of overdose deaths associated with both xylazine and fentanyl also involved the presence of other substances such as cocaine, heroin, benzodiazepines, alcohol, gabapentin, methadone, and prescription opioids.
Xylazine's human usage was initially detected in Puerto Rico during the early 2000s, gradually spreading throughout the United States. Reports of its use emerged in Philadelphia in 2008, becoming more prevalent in 2019. By 2023, it had reached most states nationwide, with a striking presence in Philadelphia's drug supply, accounting for 90% of it, according to Jose Benitez, the lead executive officer of Prevention Point. In March 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration reported that nearly a quarter of the powdered fentanyl tested in their labs in 2022 contained xylazine.
Although the complete extent of nationwide overdose deaths related to xylazine remains unclear, studies indicate that such deaths have spread westward in the United States, with the Northeast region experiencing the greatest impact. Notably, Pennsylvania witnessed a significant rise in drug overdose deaths involving xylazine, accounting for 26% of all cases from 2015 to 2020. In Maryland, xylazine was involved in 19% of drug overdose deaths in 2021, while Connecticut reported a 10% involvement in 2020.
Between August 2021 and August 2022, drug poisonings claimed the lives of 107,735 individuals in the United States, with synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, involved in 66% of these deaths, as per the CDC. The Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco Cartel, sourcing chemicals primarily from China, are major contributors to the widespread trafficking of fentanyl in American communities.
Referred to as "tranq," xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that induces drowsiness, and amnesia, and significantly lowers breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Combining opioids with xylazine and other central nervous systems depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, escalates the likelihood of a potentially fatal overdose.
According to CBS News, Xylazine prolongs the euphoric effects of opiates, lacks detectability, and is not reversible with medications like Narcan. Users exhibit distinctive, grotesque wounds on their skin, with potential lung injuries. In certain regions of the United States, experts estimate its presence in up to 90% of the drug market.
Xylazine increases the duration of fentanyl's effects in humans, which typically last for only one to three hours. This shorter half-life necessitates frequent use to prevent withdrawal symptoms, as explained by Alixe Dittmore, a training and content development coordinator at the National Harm Reduction Coalition. However, when combined with xylazine, the effects of fentanyl typically persist for four to six hours.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued an import alert to curb the illicit importation of xylazine. However, the origin of xylazine remains uncertain, lacking a clear culprit or single source for the substance
The potent sedative properties of xylazine can cause users to unexpectedly blackout, putting them at risk of falling or being unconscious in hazardous locations, making them vulnerable to harm or assault. Alixe Dittmore noted an increase in injuries, particularly head injuries resulting from falls. Furthermore, individuals may develop bed sores from prolonged immobility on unforgiving surfaces such as concrete.
The development of wounds is a concerning and widely discussed consequence of xylazine use. These wounds typically emerge not only at injection sites but also on various parts of the body, with a greater prevalence on the extremities, such as the legs and arms. If left untreated, these wounds can grow and become infected. Unlike typical abscesses associated with injected drugs, xylazine wounds initially resemble blisters that later open up and expand, increasing the risk of infection as they widen rather than deepen.
According to CDC and the FDA, symptoms of Xylazine use can cause:
Illicit substances like cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl are frequently combined with xylazine to amplify their effects or raise their street value by adding weight. Individuals who use these drugs may be unaware of the presence of xylazine. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has discovered xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 out of 50 states, with approximately 23% of seized fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills in 2022 containing xylazine, as reported by the DEA laboratory system. Xylazine is commonly administered via injection, but it can also be ingested orally or inhaled nasally.
Naloxone is a crucial intervention for suspected drug overdoses as it can reverse opioid effects, but it does not counteract the effects of xylazine specifically. However, since xylazine is commonly combined with opioids like fentanyl, administering naloxone remains important. Seeking additional medical assistance by calling 911 is crucial, as the effects of xylazine may persist even after naloxone administration.
In 2019, approximately 50,000 individuals lost their lives due to opioid-related overdoses. Studies indicate that bystanders were present in over one-third of these opioid overdoses. Equipping bystanders with naloxone can empower them to intervene and potentially save lives by administering the medication to individuals experiencing an overdose.
Naloxone is a crucial medication that can swiftly reverse opioid overdoses, encompassing substances like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids. It is user-friendly, compact, and available in two accessible forms: prefilled nasal spray and injectable, both of which can be administered by anyone without medical training or authorization.
If it happens that you witness someone exposed to the effects of xylazine overdose, there are several steps you can take:
1. Call emergency medical services immediately: Always stay with the person before the health authorities arrive.
2. Don't try to move the person: Moving them can worsen their condition and even cause further injury or death.
3.Give Naloxone: Naloxone is an effective and safe drug that can be used to reverse opioid overdoses, including those caused by xylazine.
4. Monitor their breathing: Check if the person is still breathing and look for other signs of life.
5. Be prepared to give CPR: If the person stops breathing, start chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Xylazine is a powerful tranquilizer with dangerous side effects, including slowed heart rate, difficulty breathing, and fatal overdoses. It is often combined with opioids to increase their effects, but the combination can lead to deadly results. If you see someone exposed to xylazine overdose, call emergency medical services immediately and administer Naloxone if available. Be prepared to give CPR if necessary.
Xylazine has become a serious problem in many communities and it's important to be alert and aware of its dangerous consequences. By understanding the risks associated with xylazine use, we can better protect our communities and keep them safe from the dangers of drug abuse.
Whenever someone you know or a loved one you know is struggling with addiction, always reach out for help. Treatment and counseling can help those battling drug abuse get back on track and lead healthier lives. At Another Chance Rehab, we offer comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation programs to help those affected by addiction recover and lead productive lives. Contact us today for more information.
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