Tranq Addiction & Abuse
Help For Tranq Addictin & Abuse
Understanding Xylazine aka Tranq Abuse & Addiction: A Comprehensive Guide
Xylazine, originally developed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals in 1962, is a nonopioid analgesic primarily used as a tranquilizer and sedative in veterinary medicine. It has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for exclusive use in animals, making it illegal for human consumption. Legally, xylazine is distributed in vials and preloaded syringes through pharmaceutical distributors that cater to veterinarians. However, a dangerous trend has emerged as xylazine is being illicitly sold in liquid or powder form on the streets, often mixed with other drugs, such as fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. If you or a loved one is addicted to Tranq our team will fight for your life to get you into detox or rehab if you will accept the help!
Why is Xylazine So Dangerous?
While xylazine alone can be hazardous due to its central nervous system depressant effects, including amnesia, slowed breathing, and drowsiness, it is the increasing use in combination with fentanyl that has raised significant concerns. The White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy declared the combination of xylazine and fentanyl as an "emerging threat to the United States" in April 2023. This combination has played a significant role in overdose deaths, particularly involving fentanyl, across all regions of the country. For instance, between 2020 and 2021, xylazine-detected overdose deaths surged by 1,127% in the southern states, 750% in the west, 516% in the Midwest, and 103% in the northeast.
Effects of Xylazine Use:
While much of the knowledge about xylazine's effects on humans is anecdotal, individuals who have used this substance report adverse effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat followed by dangerously low blood pressure and slowed heart rate, low body temperature, elevated blood sugar, coma, and slowed and ineffective breathing. Narcan is also not as effective and often requires multiple doses.
Dangers of Mixing Xylazine with Opioids:
The combination of xylazine with opioids like fentanyl can lead to life-threatening overdoses. Evidence suggests that the combination may potentiate fentanyl's effects, including sedation, respiratory depression, slowed heart rate, and slowed breathing. Furthermore, individuals who repeatedly inject xylazine or xylazine-laced drugs may develop injuries that can lead to necrotic tissue and subsequent amputation.
Since xylazine is cheap and unregulated, it has become an attractive "cutting agent" for drug traffickers. Some individuals seek out xylazine-laced drugs, believing it prolongs the effects of fentanyl or heroin, while others unknowingly consume these mixtures. As of March 2023, fentanyl mixed with xylazine had been discovered in drug seizures in 48 of the 50 states, and xylazine use was associated with "speedballs" (the combination of heroin and cocaine) in Puerto Rico.
Treating Xylazine Polysubstance Use:
Polysubstance use, involving the concurrent use of multiple drugs, is challenging to treat. Currently, the primary approach to treating polysubstance use involving xylazine is to address the substance use disorder of the primary drug combined with xylazine, such as fentanyl. More research is needed to understand the motivations and circumstances leading to xylazine use, which is crucial for developing effective psychosocial support and substance use disorder treatment interventions.
Seeking Help for Xylazine and Opioid Use:
If you or a loved one is struggling with concurrent xylazine and opioid (or other substance) use, seeking treatment is essential. Many treatment centers offer individualized plans to address specific needs related to substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Treatment may include detox, medications, and behavioral therapies to help you address underlying issues and develop coping strategies to manage triggers and prevent relapse.
If you or someone you know is dealing with xylazine and opioid abuse or any polysubstance use, reaching out to Intervention 365 can provide compassionate and knowledgeable assistance. Our admissions navigators can listen to your story, answer questions, explain available options, and help you start your journey towards recovery. Take the first step today to embrace a healthier and more positive future.
DOES MY HEALTH INSURANCE COVER TRANQ ADDICTION & ABUSE DRUG & ALCOHOL TREATMENT?
We will check your benefits for coverage to detox and rehab for tranq addiction and abuse.
Xylazine is a nonopioid analgesic originally developed for veterinary use as a tranquilizer and sedative. Unfortunately, it has become illicitly abused when mixed with drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. This dangerous combination can lead to life-threatening overdoses and has been declared an emerging threat by the White House.
Xylazine abuse poses significant risks, including central nervous system depressant effects, such as amnesia, slowed breathing, and drowsiness. When combined with opioids like fentanyl, the dangers escalate, leading to a surge in overdose deaths across the United States.
Anecdotal reports suggest that Xylazine abuse may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, high blood pressure, rapid and dangerously low blood pressure, low body temperature, elevated blood sugar, coma, and slowed and ineffective breathing.
As Xylazine is not approved for human use, there is limited research on its addictive potential. However, when combined with opioids like fentanyl, addiction is more likely due to opioids' known high addiction potential. Repeated use of opioids can lead to the development of an opioid use disorder.
The increasing trend of Xylazine mixed with opioids has caused a surge in overdose deaths. Moreover, the presence of Xylazine may reduce the effectiveness of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, making treatment more challenging.
The treatment of Xylazine abuse often involves addressing the substance use disorder of the primary drug combined with Xylazine, such as fentanyl. A comprehensive approach includes detoxification, medications, and behavioral therapies to address underlying issues and prevent relapse.
Withdrawal from Xylazine can be challenging, particularly when combined with opioids. It may cause severe discomfort and complications, making it essential to seek professional help during detox.
Withdrawal from Xylazine may result in symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, restlessness, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Currently, specific detox drugs for Xylazine withdrawal are limited. However, medical professionals may use supportive medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and provide a safe and comfortable detoxification process.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Xylazine abuse or addiction, reach out to addiction treatment centers like Intervention 365. They offer individualized treatment plans that include detox, therapy, and support to help you achieve a healthier and drug-free life.