Xylazine, commonly known by its street name, Tranq, is a veterinary medicine not meant for human consumption. However, in the last few years, the drug Tranq has frequently been mixed with fentanyl (which is also commonly mixed in drugs like cocaine) to create larger profit margins and increase weight, falsely giving the impression that buyers are getting more of another drug for their money. Xylazine is cheaper, so when it’s mixed with other drugs, it helps dealers or producers save money and conserve product.
This makes it dangerous and incredibly common across the country, as people addicted to other substances will ingest it often without even knowing. Let’s dive into what Tranq is, how it started to spread across the United States, why it’s dangerous for people, and what it does to the body.
Xylazine is on the Rise Across America
Xylazine, or as it’s most commonly known as on the streets, “Tranq,” was first discovered in United States in 2015. While most of the early supply was found in the Northeast, it had been discovered in 48 of 50 states by November 2022. It became linked with 11% of all fentanyl overdoses, a whopping 279% increase since 2019. According to the CDC, a study across 20 states, including Washington, D.C., showed that deaths from illegal fentanyl that included Xylazine jumped from 3% in January of 2019, all the way to 11% by June of 2022.
With its rise across the country and ubiquitous nature in the illicit drug world, it’s important for people to understand how to detect it beforehand. We never advocate for anyone to take illegal drugs, so we want everyone to be prepared and know how to use a Xylazine testing strip. If you or someone you know is partaking in illicit drugs, we encourage you to seek help immediately. However, please see these step-by-step directions according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for how to properly use a testing strip to make the experience a little bit safer.
- Gather the drug sample, a spoon, mixing tin, one teaspoon of water, and the testing kit.
- Make sure the drugs are crushed before you test them, so you’ll be able to mix it with the water.
- Scoop 10 mg (state volume equivalent) of the drug and drop it into the teaspoon of water. Mix it thoroughly.
- Hold the testing strip in the solution for 15 seconds and place it on a flat surface for 3 minutes.
- Look at the results:
- 1 red line means there is Xylazine detected.
- 2 red lines means there is NO Xylazine detected.
- 1 red line on the bottom of the strip means it was an invalid test.
Please note that all tests can vary slightly depending on which one you purchase, so please check the instructions and read them carefully before using them. With how fast Tranq is spreading throughout the country, it’s important to take proper safety precautions and monitor substances. Staying vigilant and knowing what to look for is within everyone’s control for fighting off Xylazine and its dangerous effects. That could save a life — including yours or someone you know.
Tranq Drug Effects: What Does Tranq Do to the Body and How to Tell if it Has Been Ingested?
As the drug Tranq is meant for veterinary purposes, not to be consumed by humans, even in a medical context, it has many adverse effects on the body. Because it’s a central nervous system depressant, Tranq effects the brain, slowing it down, causing drowsiness, a weaker heart rate and breathing, and more relaxed muscles.
If people are frequently taking Tranq, their skin might also be a giveaway. Those that habitually take the substance, accidentally or on purpose, will develop tissue sores that are incredibly difficult to remove and treat.
Over time, these will grow bigger and start to infect the skin, completely killing the tissue and requiring the affected body part to be amputated.
- Blisters
- Small purple bruises or scabs
- “Pinpoint” holes in the skin
- Large open sores
- Dark or black pieces of dead skin
If people have one of the above wounds while they also exhibit one of the below symptoms, they should seek medical attention right away.
- Fever or chills
- Severe pain at wound site
- Skin that is red, hard, and hot to touch
- Thick, smelly yellow or green discharge coming out of the wound
- Pieces of skin falling off
- Exposed bone showing through the skin
- New numbness (lack of feeling) or tingling on the skin
- Inability to move the body part where the wound is located
How to treat Tranq wounds if they arise, according to the California Department of Public Health:
- Keep the wounds clean, moist (but not wet), and covered.
- Do not use products such as alcohol or peroxide because they can dry out the wounds.
- Wash the wounds daily with plain soap and warm water, pat dry with a clean cloth, and cover lightly with petroleum jelly before bandaging.
- Clean and change bandages daily whenever possible.
- Do not wrap bandages too tight or too thick; just enough to stay securely in place and protect the wounds.
- Xylazine wounds often heal slowly; you can draw a circle around each wound with a permanent marker to track whether it is shrinking or growing.
If people have Tranq wounds, make sure to take care of them before they escalate into a larger medical situation. Be sure to clean them with soap and water and ensure they’re healing on their own. Follow these steps to help them heal properly and avoid infection, or worse.
- Clean hands with soap and water before touching wounds or wear sterile gloves.
- Gently wash wounds with soap and water, or with saline (water and salt).
- Put ointment on a bandage, then place on the wound.
- Wrap with more dry bandages. Make sure the bandage is lightly wrapped and not pressing into the skin.
- Cover bandage with self-adhesive wrap (sticky on one side) or with long sleeves/pants if you do not have this type of wrap.
- Clean the wound and change the bandage every 2-3 days.
Staying on top of Tranq wounds can be the difference between losing a limb and keeping it. Always seek medical attention right away.
Other Dangers of Using Tranq
Aside from the sores listed above, Tranq mixed with fentanyl often causes users to blackout for long periods of time, in many cases, for hours on end. Because it’s a sedative that slows the heart rate, it also puts people in much more danger of overdosing. This can cause users to lose their physical sensations, slow down their breathing, and lower blood pressure.
Drugs Where Users Typically Find Tranq
As we mentioned above, Tranq is mixed with fentanyl by drug dealers to improve profits — therefore, it’s possible to find Tranq in many different types of opioids, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other types of pills or illegally manufactured prescription drugs.
This makes it incredibly dangerous and difficult to stop. With its versatility for being cooked into other substances, it’s harmful and ubiquitous, making it a silent killer that’s all over the United States. Let’s dive into some of the other dangers of Tranq and why it is so heinous for those that ingest it (intentionally and accidentally).
The Hidden Dangers of Tranq and Why It’s So Rampant Today
Because it’s easy to disguise Tranq in other drugs, users may not even know they’re taking it. The only way to truly know if Tranq is in a substance is to check it using a test strip like we describe above. To the naked eye, no one would know if Tranq was in something. For an addict clamoring to get a substance, they’re often not worried about this issue in the first place, making it easier for Tranq to spread.
Of course, the best way to stop the spread of Tranq is for people to avoid illicit drugs entirely. We know that’s unrealistic, but that’s the unfortunate reality for the best way to curb the use of it.
How Brentwood Springs Can Help Users with Drug Addiction and Detox
If you know someone struggling with an addiction problem, Brentwood Springs is available to help. Our detox center is equipped to help individuals detox safely and comfortably from alcohol, amphetamines, or other drug addictions. Medical professionals on our staff know how to tailor detox plans to specific drugs, so everyone gets exactly the kind of treatment they need. If you know someone that might need help, please contact our office today at (615) 857-4060 so we can make arrangements. Recovery journeys all start somewhere — with us, you know you’ll get going in the right direction.
