As the modern world grapples with a multitude of challenges, drug misuse stands as one of the most daunting. In this context, the emergence of Xylazine has further complicated matters. This veterinary tranquilizer turned street drug has rapidly gained notoriety due to its devastating effects on users’ health and well-being.
What is Xylazine?
Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant typically utilized in veterinary medicine for large animals, such as horses. Initially introduced to the veterinary field in the 1960s, this substance was never approved for human use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to its potent side effects.
Xylazine and Fentanyl or ‘Tranq Dope’
In recent years, we have witnessed a disturbing increase in the prevalence of xylazine mixed with fentanyl. This lethal combination has elicited serious concerns from high-level organizations, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The DEA has issued a stern warning to the American public about the steep rise in the trafficking of fentanyl adulterated with xylazine. This potent sedative, known as “Tranq,” has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use only in veterinary medicine, reinforcing the dangers it poses to human health.
“Making the Deadliest Drug Threat Even Deadlier”
DEA Administrator Milgram aptly stated, “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier.” The DEA has found xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in almost all U.S. states—48 out of 50, to be precise. The DEA Laboratory System reported that in 2022, roughly 23% of seized fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills contained xylazine.
Unprecedented Health Risks
The combination of xylazine and fentanyl significantly heightens users’ risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning. Importantly, because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan), the life-saving antidote typically used to reverse opioid overdose, does not counteract its effects. However, health experts continue to recommend administering naloxone in potential overdose situations.
People who inject these drug mixtures can also develop serious, often life-threatening wounds, including tissue necrosis—the rotting of human flesh—that can necessitate amputation.
The Opioid Crisis in Numbers
The impact of the opioid crisis is staggering. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that between August 2021 and August 2022, a total of 107,735 Americans died from drug poisonings, 66% of which involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
The illicit production and distribution of fentanyl can be largely traced back to major Mexican cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco Cartel, using chemicals predominantly sourced from China. These organizations bear much of the responsibility for the trafficking of fentanyl across communities throughout the United States.
FDA Alert to Health Care Providers
The FDA has recently reached out to healthcare providers about the risks to patients exposed to xylazine in illicit drugs. This communication forms part of their wider strategy to raise awareness among professionals on the frontline, emphasizing the gravity of this emergent public health issue. The full communication can be accessed via the FDA’s official website under the title: FDA alerts healthcare professionals of risks to patients exposed to xylazine in illicit drugs.
This rising tide of xylazine and fentanyl misuse underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for comprehensive action from all stakeholders involved in combating this deadly crisis.
Tranq Dope on the Streets
A disturbing trend of Xylazine misuse has been observed in recent years, particularly among opioid users. The drug has been increasingly detected in combination with opioids like heroin and fentanyl, which further exacerbates the associated health risks and complications.
The current opioid epidemic has, in some ways, set the stage for the emergence of Xylazine as a popular adulterant. In addition to its sedative effects, Xylazine has been reported to prolong and enhance the high of opioids, which, unfortunately, contributes to its appeal among those who misuse these substances.
The Dangers of Xylazine Misuse
The misuse of Xylazine can have severe health implications. These range from immediate, physical effects to long-term, chronic conditions that can persist even after the cessation of use.
Immediate Health Effects
The immediate effects of Xylazine use reflect its nature as a sedative and muscle relaxant. These can include extreme lethargy, difficulty in movement, and profound sedation. Overdose can lead to severe respiratory depression, a decrease in heart rate, and hypotension, with fatal outcomes possible in severe cases.
Long-Term Health Effects
Chronic use of Xylazine has been associated with severe skin lesions and ulcers, often resulting from unsterile injection practices. Over time, these skin conditions can lead to serious infections, tissue necrosis, and gangrene.
Coping Mechanisms for Families and Friends
Family and friends can feel helpless when their loved ones are caught in the throes of substance misuse. However, several approaches can help manage the situation and provide much-needed support.
Being Informed
Understanding the risks and effects of Xylazine is crucial. Having an in-depth knowledge can better equip families to recognize the signs of misuse, understand the user’s experience, and navigate the recovery process.
Accessing Professional Support
Professional help can provide families with emotional and psychological support. Therapists and support groups can provide insights into dealing with the challenges of having a loved one struggling with substance misuse.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to an addiction treatment center like Health Life Recovery for support.
Healthy Life Recovery Can Help
Battling drug addiction can feel like an insurmountable task, but remember, you are not alone. At Healthy Life Recovery, a leading addiction treatment center based in San Diego, California, we’re committed to helping individuals reclaim their lives from the grips of addiction.
Our dedicated team of addiction specialists understands the complexities of drug addiction, including the devastating effects of substances like Xylazine and Fentanyl. Through a comprehensive and personalized approach to treatment, we’re dedicated to helping you or your loved one find the path to a healthier and drug-free life.
