It has become known as the “zombie drug” because it puts people in an almost unconscious state even though they are still standing. In run-down neighborhoods in Philadelphia, San Francisco and New York, people are seen standing doubled over, swaying, often with sore arms.
Xylazine, as the drug is actually called, is a powerful sedative for animals. The cheap and potent drug is mixed with everything from fentanyl to cocaine – and it is becoming more and more common.
– The effect of fentanyl wears off quite quickly. If you add a horse anesthetic, it feels like it works longer, says Shawn Westfal, addiction treatment, to PIX News in New York.
Increasingly common in overdoses
President Joe Biden called recently the drug a “serious threat” because it spread so quickly across the United States. The number of fatal overdoses involving Xylazine increased 35 times between the years 2018 and 2021, reports ABC News.
– It is a massive problem. We believe that the likes of fentanyl will soon be found in all drugs, says Noelle Foizen, who leads Philadelphia’s effort against opioids.
“Tranq,” which first appeared in Philadelphia eight years ago, has spread like wildfire in the illegal drug market in the United States and is now found in 48 of 50 states, according to the DEA.
Flesh ulcers common with Xylazine
The zombie-like effect of the drug is enhanced by a particular side effect of Tranq.
Regular use of the drug often leads to the appearance of hard-to-heal wounds. Often they have to be treated, and not infrequently the skin in the wound rots.
Aid workers in Philadelphia are trying to treat anyone with the severe wounds, but it is not uncommon for the skin to die and amputation to be required.
– If you are in pain, you just want to use more drugs to get rid of the pain, says a tranq user who NBC spoken to in the neighborhood of Kensington, Philadelphia.