A new and increasingly dangerous drug, Xylazine, is rapidly exacerbating the drug crisis in the West, posing challenges that authorities struggle to contain. The Wall Street Journal highlighted this alarming development, stating, > "Fentanyl fueled the worst drug crisis the West has ever seen. Now, an even more dangerous drug is wreaking havoc faster than authorities can keep up." This veterinary tranquilizer, often referred to as "tranq" or the "zombie drug," is increasingly found mixed with illicit opioids, particularly fentanyl, intensifying the already devastating overdose epidemic.
Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative and pain reliever approved for animal use, but not for humans. When consumed by people, it can cause profound sedation, dangerously low heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure, and severe skin lesions, including necrosis, that can lead to amputation. Unlike fentanyl, Xylazine's effects are not reversible by naloxone (Narcan), making overdose response significantly more complicated and increasing the risk of fatal outcomes.
The drug's presence in the illicit supply has spread rapidly across the United States. Initially concentrated in the Northeast, Xylazine has now been detected in drug seizures in 48 states, with some regions reporting a staggering increase in Xylazine-positive overdose deaths. Its low cost and ability to prolong the effects of opioids like fentanyl make it an attractive additive for drug traffickers, often without users' knowledge.
Healthcare providers and law enforcement face significant hurdles in managing this evolving crisis. The ineffectiveness of naloxone against Xylazine necessitates more advanced medical interventions for overdoses, and the severe wounds associated with its use require specialized, long-term care. This creates additional strain on public health systems and complicates harm reduction efforts.
In response to the escalating threat, the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy declared fentanyl mixed with Xylazine an "emerging threat" in April 2023. This designation aims to mobilize resources for prevention, treatment, and supply reduction strategies, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive and adaptive approach to combat this new and perilous phase of the drug crisis.