Xylazine Addiction

In the world of illegal drugs, there’s a new kid on the block that's raising serious concerns. It's a drug called xylazine, and is intended for use in animals - not people. This drug has become increasingly linked to overdose deaths, and it can be life-threatening - especially when mixed with other drugs like fentanyl.

The White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy has declared fentanyl mixed with xylazine to be a growing threat. On July 11^th, 2023, they released a plan to respond to this national issue. In this article, we'll explore what xylazine is, how it's used, and why it's so addictive.

What is Xylazine?

Xylazine, colloquially referred to as "tranq" or "tranq dope," is a veterinary drug used primarily to sedate and relax animals during medical procedures, such as surgeries or examinations. It's crucial to emphasize that xylazine has no official approval for human usage; it is great as a horse tranquilizer, but not for humans. Its approved use remains solely for veterinary medicine.

However, an alarming trend has emerged wherein xylazine is being illicitly combined with street drugs like heroin and fentanyl. Although it may have some effects that look similar to opioids, it's important to understand that xylazine doesn't belong to the opioid family. Because of this, the conventional opioid overdose-reversal medication, naloxone, is ineffective against it.

What are the Symptoms and Health Risks of Xylazine?

When individuals experiment with xylazine, they may experience a spectrum of adverse effects. These include:

• profound sedation
• respiratory difficulties
• significant drops in blood pressure
• bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• the potential for severe wound infections
• severe withdrawal symptoms
• death

These health risks underscore the hazards associated with xylazine use, particularly when used outside its intended veterinary context. 

How is Xylazine Taken?

People usually come across xylazine when it's unknowingly mixed into street drugs like fentanyl and heroin. It's most often injected, and sometimes people don't even realize they're getting xylazine along with the drugs they intended to use.

On the flip side, some people use xylazine on purpose. They do this to intensify and prolong the “high” brought on by fentanyl. People who inject drugs are more likely to bump into xylazine since it has become more common in illegal drug supplies.

Stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are also sometimes mixed with xylazine. Some users combine it with "speedballs," which are mixtures of opioids and stimulants, to balance out the different effects.

Xylazine is mostly found in veterinary medicine as a liquid. It comes in three strengths: 20 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL, and 300 mg/ml. In the vet world, it's administered to animals via injections or mouth. Sometimes, it's mixed with other medicines for surgeries. The critical point to understand is that this drug is meant for animals, not people. In the veterinary field, you may hear xylazine being called by different names like Rompun, Sedazine, or AnaSed.

But here's an important detail: xylazine isn't controlled as a drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.

How Do People Use Xylazine and What Is Xylazine Used For In General?

Legally, xylazine is available for veterinary medicinal use in liquid form, in vials, or in preloaded syringes. You can buy Xylazine from pharmaceutical distributors and on veterinary websites. But it's also out there on other websites in liquid and powder form, even without any links to the vet world or the need to prove that it's being purchased for a good reason.

Xylazine is super affordable online, with prices as low as $6 to $20 for a whole kilogram. Because of this, it's often cut into illegal drugs to increase dealer profits. Its effects are similar to opioids, but they last longer, so some people look for it intentionally, while others want to avoid it.

The DEA has found xylazine mixed with fentanyl in 48 out of 50 states. Shockingly, a huge portion of fentanyl powder and pills seized by the DEA in 2022 tested positive for xylazine.

Is Xylazine Addictive?

Xylazine possesses a high potential for addiction. This risk becomes even more pronounced when it's mixed with other substances, such as fentanyl. This combination intensifies the sedative effects and escalates the peril of overdose, making it a particularly hazardous concoction.

Symptoms of Tranq Addiction:

• Intense Cravings: Individuals addicted to xylazine may experience overwhelming urges and cravings for the drug.
• Physical Dependence: Over time, the body may become reliant on xylazine, causing tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
• Mental Health Issues: Addiction can lead to the onset or exacerbation of mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Suddenly discontinuing xylazine use can result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating.
• Neglect of Responsibilities: Addicts often prioritize obtaining and using the drug over their work, family, and personal responsibilities.

The Look, Smell, and Taste Of Xylazine

What does xylazine look like? Xylazine typically presents as a white powder or a clear liquid. However, appearance can vary based on the source and the form in which the drug is acquired.

What does Xyazine smell like? Interestingly, xylazine doesn't have a distinctive odor, making it difficult to detect by scent.

What does xylazine taste like? Some users have described xylazine as having a faintly sweet, chemical taste, although this may not be consistently experienced by all users.

Xylazine addiction is a growing problem with serious repercussions. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer with a high risk of addiction, and it is critical to be aware and provide strong support for those dealing with xylazine addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with tranq addiction, seeking help from a professional treatment center is a crucial step towards recovery. Remember, addiction is a treatable condition, and there is hope for a healthier, drug-free life. At Avenues Recovery Centers, we invite you to join us on a journey to free yourself from addiction, and live a better, healthier, drug-free life. Our staff are experts in their fields and have helped thousands of people break free of their addiction and enter sober living. Contact us today to experience our high- quality, individualized and professional care, and to take your first step towards recovery.