The United States has been battling a drug epidemic for decades, but the situation has become increasingly serious in recent years due to the proliferation of highly potent drugs like fentanyl. Now, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public of a new threat: fentanyl mixed with xylazine. This dangerous combination has become the deadliest drug threat in the country, according to DEA Administrator Milgram.
What is Xylazine?
Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for veterinary use. It is commonly used to sedate large animals such as horses, but it is now being mixed with fentanyl by drug dealers to create an even more potent and deadly drug cocktail.
According to Administrator Milgram, “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier.” This threat has spread rapidly across the country, with the DEA having seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 out of 50 states.
What are the Dangers of the Drug Combination?
The combination of fentanyl and xylazine is particularly dangerous and places users at a higher risk of fatal drug poisoning. While naloxone (Narcan) can reverse the effects of opioids like heroin and fentanyl, it does not work on xylazine since xylazine is not an opioid. However, experts still recommend administering naloxone in the event of drug poisoning.
People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine can develop severe wounds, including necrosis. Necrosis is the rotting of human tissue and may lead to amputation, as has been seen in a number of cases across the U.S. where xylazine has been mixed with heroin. This is because xylazine constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the injected area, leading to tissue damage and potentially fatal infections.
Effects of Drugs in the U.S.
The consequences of drugs like fentanyl and xylazine are staggering. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), between August 2021 and August 2022, 107,735 Americans died from drug poisonings, with 66% of those deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. This represents an increase of 30% from the same period in the previous year.[1]
The use and trafficking of drugs have been an ongoing issue in the United States for years, and it seems as though the situation is getting worse. The DEA’s Laboratory System reports that in 2022, approximately 7% of fentanyl pills and 23% of fentanyl powder seized by the agency contained xylazine. The implications of this statistic are alarming, as it means that a significant number of people who use fentanyl are at a higher risk of fatal drug poisoning.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 107,000 Americans died between August 2021 and August 2022 from drug poisonings. Sixty-six percent of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
The FDA has highlighted the importance of healthcare providers being vigilant about the potential dangers of the drug mixture and said they must be prepared to recognize and treat symptoms of drug poisoning.
The threat of substance use disorder affects not only the individual but also their families and communities. Substance use disorder is a chronic disease that can be difficult to overcome, and it is imperative that people who are struggling seek professional help. Substance use disorder treatment, including therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups, can help people recover and lead healthy and productive lives.
Overcoming the Crisis
Although the increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine is a significant threat to public health in the United States, there are various ways that we can work to reduce the danger and harm of dangerous substances. It is essential that we raise awareness of the risks of these substances and take steps to prevent drug use.
It is also important that we address the root causes of substance use disorders and work to prevent drug deaths by tackling the issues that cause people to consume them in the first place. Education is an essential part of this process, but it is important that people feel they have safe ways of seeking support for their use of harmful substances. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the genes that people are born with account for about half of their risk for developing a substance use disorder, with environment, trauma, and co-occurring mental health problems also being significant risk factors.[2] The United States drug epidemic parallels our mental health crisis. Mental health and the use of dangerous substances are intimately linked, so our responses must consider and address this. Increasing access to treatment and preventative care that effectively supports people struggling with substance use disorder is key to ensuring that those in recovery do not relapse.
The DEA’s warning highlights the importance of being vigilant about the drugs that we use and the dangers that they may pose. Awareness, treatment, research, and education are essential so that we can combat the drug epidemic in our country and prevent further loss of life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with anything you have read in this blog, please get in touch with Heather R. Hayes & Associates – call 800-335-0316 or email info@heatherhayes.com today.
Sources:
[1] United States Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine | DEA.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine
[2] NIDA. 2018, June 6. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts. Retrieved from http://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction on 2023, April 19
