‘Zombie drug’ wreaking havoc in the US
‘Tranq Dope’ is a mix of Fentanyl, the opioid that has decimated America's youth, and a veterinary drug called Xylazine. The substance is wreaking havoc in major cities across the US and has devastating effects that can rot the user’s skin.
The “zombie drug” seemed to first appear in Philadelphia, before migrating west to San Francisco and Los Angeles. It was used for cutting heroin and now has been discovered in fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
Not safe for humans
Xylazine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for veterinary use. However, this non-opioid is not safe for humans. It has been found that those who overdose on this drug do not respond to naloxone, or Narcan – the most common overdose reversal treatment.
"Zombifying people's bodies"
Xylazine causes sedative-like symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, respiratory depression, as well as raw wounds. These wounds can become severe and spread rapidly with repeated exposure. The crusty ulcerations can result in amputation if left untreated.
“Tranq is basically zombifying people’s bodies,” Sam, 28, told Sky News. “Until nine months ago, I never had wounds. Now, there are holes in my legs and feet.”
Widely circulating
According to Sky News, "Tranq Dope" is sold on the street for just a few dollars per bag. Public health authorities are horrified by its spread and the terrible scars it leaves on users.
'It’s too late for Philadelphia'
Philadelphia reported that 90% of lab-tested dope samples from 2021 contained xylazine.
“It’s too late for Philly,” Shawn Westfahl, an outreach worker with Prevention Point Philadelphia, told the Times. “Philly’s supply is saturated. If other places around the country have a choice to avoid it, they need to hear our story.”
According to a 2022 report, xylazine has been discovered in 36 states in the US. According to the Times, in New York City alone, the drug was found in 25% of samples.
Rise in deaths from overdose
Dr. Gary Tsai, the director of substance abuse prevention and control with the LA County Department of Public Health, believes this drug “would increase deaths from overdoses.”
“The main concern is we’re already amid the worst overdose crisis in history, nationally and locally,” Dr. Tsai told the Los Angeles Times.
What are opioids?
The World Health Organization notes that the term “opioids” includes compounds that are extracted from the poppy seed and also semisynthetic and synthetic compounds with similar properties. These can interact with opioid receptors in your brain. Opioids are commonly used for pain management. After opioid intake, people can experience euphoria, which is one of the main reasons why people consume opioids for non-medical reasons.