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In Philadelphia, accidental drug overdoses are causing many deaths, with the numbers consistently rising to alarming levels. In 2022, there were 1,413 overdose deaths reported, an 11% increase from the previous year. Shocking data also reveals that during the same year, Xylazine, a drug often used as a veterinary anesthetic and analgesic but also found mixed with street opioids, was present in 34% (480) of all overdose deaths. Almost every case (99%) involving Xylazine also involved deadly fentanyl or fentanyl-like drugs. [1]

Xylazine, a non-opioid compound comparable to clonidine, serves as a tranquilizer in veterinary medicine, possessing analgesic and muscle relaxant capabilities. Xylazine toxicity poses a serious health risk, causing severe depression in breathing and the nervous system, along with harmful effects on the heart and the skin. Xylazine’s addictive potential primarily stems from its ability to enhance the effects of opioids and produce a profound sense of sedation and euphoria. Its rising use as an additive to both opioid and non-opioid drugs is a significant public health crisis, increasing the chances of death. Since there’s no specific antidote for Xylazine, it’s crucial to quickly recognize, evaluate, and manage its effects to save lives.

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, trusted drug and alcohol treatment centers provide evidence-based therapies and compassionate support for individuals battling drug addiction. These Philadelphia drug treatment facilities offer tailored treatment plans to address underlying issues, empowering individuals on their journey to sobriety.

Drug treatment centers in Pennsylvania offer unwavering support, even if you’ve faced setbacks or are in the midst of a crisis. The dedicated behavioral health and addiction specialists are committed to your recovery, providing guidance and options for therapy that can transform your life. Call our hotline when you’re ready for change or need someone to talk to. We’ll assist you directly or guide you to the support you need. Reach out today.

Is a New Drug Worsening the Opioid Crisis in Philadelphia?

The emergence of Xylazine as an adulterant in the opioid crisis exacerbates the already dire situation by amplifying the lethality and complexity of substance misuse. When clandestinely mixed with opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, Xylazine augments the potency and duration of their effects, leading to a heightened risk of overdose and fatalities. Moreover, Xylazine itself carries significant risks, inducing severe respiratory depression, central nervous system depression, and cardiovascular complications. This compound’s sedative properties deepen the state of intoxication. Moreover, the presence of Xylazine complicates medical interventions, as there is no specific antidote available, further exacerbating the challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing overdose cases.

Xylazine, when used by humans, can lead to a range of adverse effects:

Sedation: Xylazine is a potent sedative, causing drowsiness and lethargy.
Hypotension: It can lower blood pressure, leading to dizziness and fainting.
Bradycardia: Xylazine slows down the heart rate, which can result in palpitations or irregular heartbeat.
Respiratory Depression: It suppresses breathing, leading to shallow or slowed breathing.
Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and vomiting.
Muscle Weakness: Xylazine can cause muscle weakness or lack of coordination.
Dizziness and Confusion: It may induce feelings of dizziness or confusion, impairing cognitive function.
Skin Irritation: In cases of injection, Xylazine can cause skin irritation or localized reactions.
Potential Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Xylazine, including rash, itching, or swelling.
Overdose: In severe cases or with high doses, Xylazine overdose can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or even death.

Xylazine overdose is challenging to reverse, as there is no specific remedy available. This complicates medical interventions for substance abuse and increases the risk of fatal outcomes. If you or someone you care about is struggling with polysubstance abuse, including drugs like Xylazine, seeking comprehensive treatment is essential for recovery. After completing a treatment program, transitioning to a supportive environment is crucial for long-term success. Consider searching for halfway houses in Philadelphia, where you can continue to receive support and guidance as part of your aftercare plan. These environments offer a structured and supportive setting, providing the necessary tools and resources to maintain sobriety and rebuild your life.

What Is Xylazine Used For?

Xylazine, initially a veterinary tranquilizer, has become a troubling addition to street drugs across the United States since the early 2000s. It’s often mixed with opioids to make them more potent and sometimes even added to cocaine. While it’s meant for animals, it’s easily bought online, making it appealing to drug dealers who use it to cut drugs like fentanyl or heroin. This boosts profits but also increases risks for users, leading to more overdose deaths and severe side effects like skin ulcers, drowsiness, and heart problems. Unlike opioids, naloxone, the overdose reversal drug, doesn’t work on Xylazine, making overdoses harder to treat and more deadly. [2]

In medical setting, Xylazine, primarily used in veterinary medicine, has several potential applications:

Sedation: Xylazine is commonly used as a sedative in animals to facilitate handling during procedures such as examinations, surgeries, or diagnostic tests.
Analgesia: It possesses analgesic properties, relieving animals undergoing medical procedures or experiencing pain due to injuries or illnesses.
Muscle Relaxation: Xylazine acts as a muscle relaxant, aiding in immobilization and reducing muscle tension during surgical procedures or examinations.
Anesthesia Adjunct: It is sometimes used as an adjunct to general anesthesia in animals to enhance sedation and analgesia or to reduce the dosage of other anesthetic agents required for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.
Emergency Medicine: Xylazine may be used in emergency veterinary situations to stabilize injured animals or calm aggressive or agitated animals for transport or treatment.

Xylazine is not approved for human use and should only be administered by qualified veterinary professionals for approved veterinary indications. Moreover, its use in animals should be carefully monitored to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

What Drugs Cause a Zombie Like State?

There have been reports of individuals experiencing extreme sedation and disorientation, colloquially referred to as a “zombie-like” state, after consuming Xylazine, mainly when it’s mixed with opioids or used in high doses. However, it’s essential to recognize that such effects are not universal and may vary depending on the individual’s tolerance, the amount consumed, and the presence of other substances.

The term “zombie-like state” is often used to describe extreme sedation or altered mental states induced by certain substances. Some substances known to cause this condition include the following:

Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice/K2): These substances, designed to mimic the effects of marijuana, can lead to extreme sedation, disorientation, and dissociation, sometimes resulting in a catatonic state.
Flakka (Alpha-PVP): A synthetic cathinone, Flakka can induce extreme agitation, paranoia, and delirium, sometimes leading to bizarre behavior and a trance-like state.
Bath Salts (MDPV, Mephedrone): These synthetic stimulants can cause severe agitation, hallucinations, and psychosis, often resulting in erratic and unpredictable behavior reminiscent of a “zombie-like” state.
Certain Prescription Medications: High doses or misuse of prescription medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) or opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl) can lead to extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and impaired consciousness resembling a “zombie-like” state.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, seeking help from healthcare professionals or addiction specialists is crucial. Extreme sedation induced by substances can lead to respiratory depression, which can result in breathing difficulties or even respiratory arrest, posing a risk of death. Moreover, profound sedation can impair cognitive function and motor skills, increasing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or unintentional self-harm.

What Is Xylazine Abuse? Find Help at Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Philadelphia, PA

Illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl are sometimes mixed with Xylazine to make them stronger or heavier. This can happen without people knowing and is widespread across the US. Xylazine is often injected but can also be taken orally or inhaled. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized Xylazine and fentanyl combinations in 48 of 50 states, and the DEA laboratory system reported that roughly 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA in 2022 contained Xylazine. [3]

The heroin and fentanyl epidemic stands as the foremost public health and public safety challenge confronting Pennsylvania. In 2021, 5,168 people in Pennsylvania died from drug overdoses. That’s an average of 14 deaths per day, and the numbers are expected to keep going up. [4] Medical detoxification is critical in addressing opioid addiction, particularly in cases involving Xylazine. This process systematically eliminates substances from the body while effectively managing the associated withdrawal symptoms. Given opioids’ extreme potency and the heightened risks these drugs pose to health, detoxification must be conducted under the close supervision of medical professionals. This ensures the safety and well-being of the individual throughout the detox process.

Seeking recovery from addiction can feel overwhelming and lonely. However, you don’t have to go through it alone. In Philadelphia drug treatment centers, the rehabs are staffed with compassionate professionals ready to support you every step of the way. By seeking professional help, you can access comprehensive treatment programs, providing you with the tools and support necessary to overcome addiction and reclaim your life. Continue to explore Pennsylvania drug treatment centers today and take the first step toward healing and transformation.

Resources:

[1] Unintentional Drug Overdose Fatalities in Philadelphia, 2022 – City of Philadelphia (.gov)

[2] Ayub S, Parnia S, Poddar K, Bachu AK, Sullivan A, Khan AM, Ahmed S, Jain L. Xylazine in the Opioid Epidemic: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Clinical Implications. Cureus. 2023 Mar 29;15(3):e36864. Doi: 10.7759/cureus.36864. PMID: 37009344; PMCID: PMC10063250.

[3] What You Should Know About Xylazine – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

[4] Opioid Battle – Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (.gov)