In recent years, xylazine has emerged as a growing concern within the drug abuse landscape, particularly as it finds its way into illicit drug markets across the United States. While originally developed as a veterinary tranquilizer, it is now being used as an adulterant in street drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, compounding the already devastating opioid epidemic. This blog dives into what this dangerous substance is, its effects, the growing problem of “tranq dope,” and how communities and healthcare systems are responding to this alarming trend.
What is Xylazine?
Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative, was developed in the 1960s for veterinary purposes, primarily to sedate large animals like horses and cattle during medical procedures. It acts on the central nervous system as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, similar to medications like clonidine, but it is not approved for human use. The drug produces strong sedative, muscle relaxant, and analgesic effects, making it effective for veterinary applications but risky and dangerous when misused by humans.
Xylazine and the Rise of “Tranq Dope”
Over the past few years, xylazine has been increasingly detected in street drugs, especially fentanyl, leading to the emergence of what’s now referred to as “tranq dope.” It is added to these drugs to enhance the sedative effect, which prolongs the “high” users experience from opioids. However, xylazine’s effects in humans are highly unpredictable and come with significant risks. This mixture exacerbates the already deadly nature of opioids, particularly fentanyl, which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin.
“Tranq dope” has now become a common term in drug markets in various states, with high concentrations seen in cities like Philadelphia, New York, and parts of California. In areas hardest hit by the opioid epidemic, xylazine-infused drugs are compounding the problem, as they lead to even more dangerous overdoses and unique side effects that opioids alone do not cause.
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How Xylazine Affects the Human Body
The effects of xylazine in humans can be particularly dangerous because it is not designed for human use, and its sedative properties can lead to life-threatening complications. When combined with opioids, the primary effects of include:
- Prolonged sedation: Users may experience extreme drowsiness, reduced heart rate, and deep sedation that can last hours.
- Respiratory depression: Like opioids, xylazine suppresses respiratory function, but its combination of with fentanyl or heroin can dramatically increase the risk of fatal respiratory failure.
- Hypotension: Xylazine can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, which may lead to shock or organ failure.
- Bradycardia: Users may experience abnormally slow heart rates, which can result in cardiovascular collapse.
In addition to these risks, chronic use of xylazine leads to severe skin ulcerations and necrosis, even in areas of the body away from injection sites. These skin lesions are a hallmark sign of xylazine abuse and can lead to infections, amputations, and other long-term health consequences.
Xylazine Withdrawal Symptoms
Because xylazine is not an opioid, traditional opioid overdose treatments like naloxone (Narcan) are not effective in reversing its effects. This is an additional concern for first responders and healthcare workers who encounter overdose cases. Xylazine withdrawal symptoms also differ from opioid withdrawal, making detox and recovery even more complicated.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:
- Severe agitation
- Anxiety
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Tremors
- Dysphoria
The withdrawal process can be both physically and mentally challenging, and because of xylazine’s non-opioid classification, treatment options need to be carefully tailored, often requiring additional medical support for symptom management.
The Scope of the Crisis
A growing body of evidence shows that xylazine is increasingly involved in overdose deaths. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it was detected in approximately 23% of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Pennsylvania in 2020. Similar patterns have been observed in other regions, with the drug being implicated in an increasing number of overdose cases across the country.
Communities already grappling with the opioid crisis are particularly vulnerable to xylazine’s rise. First responders are encountering more overdose victims who are unresponsive to naloxone treatment, leading to delays in appropriate care and increased fatalities. In many cases, it is not detected in toxicology screens until after death, underscoring the need for improved awareness and testing capabilities.
Addressing the Public Health Crisis
Combatting the rise of xylazine requires a multi-faceted approach, involving law enforcement, public health agencies, and addiction treatment specialists. Key components of the response include:
- Enhanced testing and detection: Standard toxicology screens often miss xylazine, meaning many cases go undetected. Expanding testing capabilities to identify it in overdose victims will provide a clearer picture of its prevalence and allow for more targeted interventions.
- Training for first responders: Since naloxone is ineffective against xylazine, first responders need training on how to recognize and respond to xylazine-involved overdoses. This may involve different resuscitation techniques and advanced medical support to prevent fatalities.
- Expanded harm reduction services: Harm reduction initiatives, such as supervised injection sites and needle exchange programs, can play a critical role in minimizing the health risks associated with xylazine. These services offer a safer environment for drug users and can provide timely medical intervention if needed.
- Comprehensive addiction treatment: Addressing the underlying issue of opioid addiction remains the cornerstone of long-term solutions. Treatment centers must adapt to the evolving drug landscape and offer specialized care for those struggling with opioid-xylazine combinations. Medical detox, such as the protocols offered at the Waismann Method, can play a critical role in safely managing withdrawal symptoms and stabilizing patients.
Challenges in Treating Xylazine Dependency
Detoxing from xylazine is notably different from opioid detox. Because it is not an opioid, conventional treatments that rely on opioid antagonists like naltrexone or methadone are ineffective. Moreover, xylazine’s withdrawal symptoms can be severe and may require specialized care in a medical facility equipped to handle complex detox protocols.
Waismann Method, for example, offers medically assisted detox for opioids including fentanyl. This approach ensures that patients receive the necessary care to manage the physical aspects of withdrawal and physical cravings under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
At Waismann Method Rapid Opioid Detox, we are seeing an increasing number of patients coming in for fentanyl detox who are testing positive for the substance. The rise of this dangerous drug in street substances like fentanyl and heroin adds yet another layer of complexity to the opioid crisis. Xylazine’s presence is leading to more severe overdoses, making treatment even more challenging. It’s critical that public health agencies, healthcare professionals, and harm reduction advocates work together to address this growing issue, enhance detection, and provide specialized care for those impacted.
Additionally, we must take stronger measures to protect our borders from this deadly poison. The influx of drugs like xylazine, combined with powerful opioids, is exacerbating an already devastating crisis. Along with increased education and access to treatment, stronger border protections are essential to preventing these harmful substances from infiltrating our communities and endangering lives. A coordinated and urgent response is required to mitigate the dual threats of opioids and xylazine and to safeguard public health.
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Sources:
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- UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine- Scientists found that the animal tranquilizer xylazine activates opioid receptors in the brain.
- John Hopkins- The rise of xylazine in the U.S. drug supply represents a significant public health challenge.
- CDC– Overdoses Involving Xylazine Mixed with Fentanyl
- DEA- In 2023, 30% of the fentanyl powder seized by DEA contained xylazine.