The White House has released a National Response Plan to combat xylazine mixed with fentanyl. Officials are working on plans to create a framework for treatment. The federal government declared the combination an emerging threat to the country earlier this year.
Xylazine is a non-opioid tranquilizer for veterinary use. But xylazine-positive overdose deaths have increased by more than 1,100 percent in the south between 2020 and 2021, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Jason Merrick is the Vice President for Program Development for Addiction Recovery Care, a treatment network in eastern Kentucky. He said they’re hopeful for drug tests to be released so they can better detect xylazine usage to help victims.
“As a provider, it's difficult to tell when, or if, people are entering out into our facilities that are using xylazine unless they just self-admit, or self-report that that's what they've been using,” Merrick said.
Since xylazine by itself is not an opioid, it can’t be treated with naloxone like other substances. But Merrick still recommends people carry and use Narcan in case of an overdose emergency.
“It's nontoxic, it doesn't have any kind of mood or mind-altering effects on the individual,” Merrick said. “The only thing it may do is restore breathing and save a person's life.”
Merrick also recommends calling 911 and performing CPR in case of a nearby overdose. He also says to watch out for syringes, residue or any item that could have come into contact with bodily fluids that could accidentally be ingested.
ARC’s help line can be reached at (888) 351-1761.
