Tranq: The Zombie Effect

Summary

The video investigates the growing threat of xylazine, a horse tranquilizer, mixed into street drugs like fentanyl and cocaine. Known as 'tranq,' it has contributed to a surge in overdoses and alarming health issues such as necrosis and severe skin ulcers. The drug, initially used in veterinary medicine, is now pervasive across the U.S., with cases reported in almost every state. Experts warn that the combination of xylazine and fentanyl is deadly, with limited responses to overdose-reversal methods like Narcan. This crisis is impacting both cities and rural areas, exacerbating the opioid epidemic and leaving devastating effects on individuals and their families.

Takeaways

• 😀 Xylazine, also known as tranq, is an animal tranquilizer being mixed with fentanyl and other street drugs, amplifying the opioid crisis in the U.S.
• 😀 The presence of xylazine in illicit drug supplies has surged, with overdose deaths involving this substance increasing by more than 1000% between 2020 and 2021.
• 😀 Xylazine does not respond to Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug, making it much more dangerous than fentanyl alone.
• 😀 Xylazine is used by drug traffickers to extend the high of fentanyl and increase the volume of product, maximizing profits and the addiction potential of users.
• 😀 The drug is leading to severe health consequences, including necrosis (tissue death), skin ulcers, and the need for amputations in affected users.
• 😀 Xylazine has been found in 48 out of 50 U.S. states, with South Dakota and Wyoming being the only exceptions.
• 😀 Major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and parts of Pennsylvania are experiencing a surge in xylazine-related overdose deaths, making them hotspots in the crisis.
• 😀 Xylazine is primarily obtained online, from veterinary supply stores or illicit sellers, and traffickers use it to cut fentanyl and cocaine, making the drugs even more deadly.
• 😀 The drug has a devastating impact on individuals, often leading to irreversible bodily harm. Families and communities are left to cope with tragic loss and severe addiction.
• 😀 The U.S. government is taking action, with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) monitoring the spread of xylazine and pushing for stricter regulations on its sale and distribution.
• 😀 Despite the efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl and xylazine, the drug trafficking networks, particularly from Mexico and China, continue to exploit the U.S. market, making this a widespread issue that affects many regions across the country.

Q & A

What is xylazine, and how is it affecting human health?

Xylazine, also known as 'tranq,' is an animal tranquilizer originally used for veterinary purposes. When mixed with fentanyl, it significantly impacts human health by causing sedation, necrosis (death of tissue), and severe physical damage, such as ulcers and amputations. The combination suppresses heart rate and breathing, increasing the risk of overdose and death.

Why is xylazine being mixed with fentanyl?

Xylazine is added to fentanyl to extend the high experienced by users. It acts as a sedative, making the effects last longer. Additionally, mixing xylazine with fentanyl makes the street drugs more potent, increasing the dealers' profits by enhancing the effect and extending the duration of the high.

How does xylazine affect the body compared to fentanyl?

Xylazine is not an opioid like fentanyl. Instead, it is a sedative that suppresses breathing and heart rate, which can lead to suffocation. Unlike fentanyl, which can be reversed with Narcan (naloxone), xylazine does not respond to opioid reversal treatments, making it much harder to treat in the event of an overdose.

What is the impact of xylazine on drug overdose rates in the U.S.?

The presence of xylazine in street drugs has led to a dramatic increase in overdose deaths. Between 2020 and 2021, overdose deaths involving xylazine increased by over 1,000% in some regions. The drug's sedative effects, when mixed with fentanyl, significantly contribute to the rising fatal overdose rates across the U.S.

Which U.S. cities have been most affected by the spread of xylazine?

Philadelphia is considered the epicenter of the xylazine crisis, with the drug being mixed into 90% of fentanyl and heroin supplies. Other cities, such as New York City, Western Pennsylvania, and parts of the Northeast, are also seeing a significant rise in xylazine-related overdoses and deaths.

What makes xylazine overdoses difficult to treat?

Xylazine overdoses are difficult to treat because it does not respond to naloxone (Narcan), the standard treatment for opioid overdoses. This makes it challenging for first responders to revive individuals who have overdosed on drugs mixed with xylazine, increasing the likelihood of death.

How is xylazine being trafficked into the U.S.?

Xylazine is primarily being trafficked into the U.S. through online veterinary supply stores and pet supply websites. It is also being smuggled via international mail systems, often hidden in small shipments. Drug traffickers obtain xylazine cheaply, often from suppliers in China, and mix it with fentanyl before distributing it to the streets.

What are the long-term effects of using drugs laced with xylazine?

Long-term use of drugs laced with xylazine can lead to severe physical damage, such as open sores, necrosis of the skin, and tissue death. Users may suffer from amputation of limbs due to infection, and prolonged use can cause long-term respiratory and heart issues. Additionally, the dependency on fentanyl and xylazine can make it extremely difficult for individuals to break free from addiction.

What measures are being taken by law enforcement to combat the spread of xylazine?

Law enforcement agencies, such as the DEA, are tracking the spread of xylazine and fentanyl through various regions. They are working to shut down drug mills and trace the origins of illicit shipments. Recent efforts include increased monitoring of online veterinary supply stores and tighter control over mail shipments suspected of containing illicit drugs.

Why is xylazine being described as 'the zombie effect'?

Xylazine is referred to as the 'zombie effect' due to the extreme sedation and physical degradation it causes in users. The drug’s effects can make individuals appear lethargic and disoriented, with some users even walking on all fours or exhibiting animal-like behaviors, which is why it has been linked to the term 'zombie.'