The White House has recently unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the escalating number of overdose deaths involving xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer known as “tranq” and “the zombie drug.” This dangerous substance poses a significant risk when combined with opioids like fentanyl.
Tackling the Crisis Head-On
The government’s strategy encompasses several key elements, including the development and deployment of rapid tests designed specifically for detecting xylazine and fentanyl. In addition, the plan involves evaluating potential strategies to reverse overdoses and diligently tracing and disrupting illegal sources supplying this illicit drug.
Alarming Statistics
According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of June 2022, xylazine was involved in nearly 11% of fentanyl overdose deaths in the United States. When compared to the starting point of 2019, where it accounted for only about 3%, this dramatic increase is deeply concerning. The CDC also revealed that synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) played a significant role in over two-thirds of the approximately 107,000 U.S. drug overdose deaths last year.
Understanding the Dangers
While xylazine is commonly used by veterinarians to sedate horses and large animals, its effects on humans are far more perilous. The substance can severely impede breathing and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and repeated use can lead to severe skin lesions and tissue decay, often necessitating amputation. Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, described the severity of these wounds as unparalleled. He emphasized that combining fentanyl with xylazine significantly increases the lethality of these substances.
A Swift Response from the Biden Administration
By taking these decisive measures, the U.S. government aims to curb the rising tide of xylazine-related overdose deaths and safeguard public health.
Battle Against the Growing Threat of Xylazine: Response Plan Unveiled
The federal government has taken decisive action this year to combat the alarming rise of xylazine, a dangerous tranquilizer. To address this public health concern, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented restrictions on illegal imports of xylazine in February. Furthermore, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warned about the widespread threat of xylazine mixed with fentanyl in March, revealing that 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA in 2022 contained this tranquilizer.
The increasing prevalence of xylazine mixed with fentanyl complicates efforts to counteract opioid overdoses. In March, the FDA approved Narcan, an over-the-counter medication for reversing opioid overdoses. However, individuals who have consumed fentanyl mixed with xylazine may be less responsive to this treatment due to xylazine’s non-opioid properties. Despite this, experts emphasize that Narcan, or naloxone, should still be utilized when someone experiences drug poisoning.
The newly unveiled response plan aims to regulate xylazine under the Controlled Substances Act, safeguarding its legitimate use in veterinary medicine, while simultaneously cracking down on the illicit supply chain. Dr. Gupta, a spokesperson, highlighted the fact that xylazine is being sourced from online vendors overseas, particularly in China, where it is then mixed into drugs within the United States. Additionally, diverted veterinary xylazine has also been identified coming from Puerto Rico, and drug traffickers are incorporating this tranquilizer into fentanyl in Mexico.
To address these concerns, bipartisan legislation introduced earlier this year proposes categorizing xylazine as a schedule 3 drug. This classification would enable the DEA to monitor the manufacturing and distribution of the tranquilizer more closely, ensuring it is not diverted to the illicit market. The efforts to combat the dangers of xylazine continue, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding public health and mitigating the devastating consequences of opioid abuse.
