Xylazine or "Tranq Dope" is Increasingly Mixed into Counterfeit Drugs in the US.

Xylazine, is a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, has been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths nationwide in the evolving drug addiction and overdose crisis.  It also damages the tissues around where it is injected by intravenous opioid users. Xylazine is also known as 'tranq,' 'tranq dope,' and 'zombie drug.

The New York Times article, Xylazine Brings Fresh Horror to U.S. Drug Zones, recounts the devastating physical effects that using fentanyl laced with xylazine. The xylazine causes wounds that erupt with a scaly dead tissue called eschar; untreated, they can lead to amputation.

Studies show people exposed to xylazine often knowingly or unknowingly used it in combination with other drugs, particularly illicit fentanyl. Users report that fentanyl with xylazine lengthens its euphoric effects. Because xylazine is a sedative and not an opioid, it resists standard opioid overdose reversal treatments.

While the full national scope of overdose deaths involving xylazine is unknown, research shows overdose deaths linked to xylazine have spread westward across the United States, with the largest impact in the Northeast. From 2015 to 2020, the percentage of all drug overdose deaths involving xylazine increased from 2% to 26% in Pennsylvania. Xylazine was involved in 19% of all drug overdose deaths in Maryland in 2021 and 10% in Connecticut in 2020.

Contact the Opioid Addiction Treatment Experts in San Diego

If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, contact us or call (619) 452–1200 today and a recovery expert will help you in find the best residential or outpatient addiction treatment program to fit your needs.

Located in San Diego, Confidential Recovery's outpatient rehab center provides convenient access—both weekdays and weeknights— to world-class alcohol and drug addiction treatment.

Programs at our outpatient addiction treatment center in San Diego are made up by the most effective and 'state-of-the-art' evidence-based practices. Because Confidential Recovery has reasonable rates for 'out of pocket' patients and also accepts many health insurance plans, our expert care and clinical services are within reach for many  people who need addiction counseling and related alcohol and drug rehab services.

Confidential Recovery is a great option for continued treatment and support after discharging from a residential addiction program. Confidential Recovery can also a perfect beginning for those clients who are “higher-functioning” and don’t wish to do residential treatment, are trying sober living, private therapy, working, or have parenting responsibilities.

If you have questions about the process of getting help for a substance use disorder, call us at (619) 452–1200 to discuss the matter privately with our intake counselors.