What Is Xylazine?
Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that has no business being in the human body. Vets use it to calm down horses and other animals before surgery. This sedative is now showing up on the streets, being mixed into fentanyl and heroin. People call it “tranq” or “tranq dope.”
Here’s the really scary part: xylazine doesn’t respond to Narcan. So if someone overdoses on fentanyl cut with xylazine, Narcan might reverse the opioid part, but it won’t touch the xylazine. That makes these overdoses way more dangerous and harder to reverse.
Dealers mixing Xylazine with Other Lethal Drugs
Drug traffickers have started adding xylazine to fentanyl to extend the “high” and stretch their product, but the result is far more dangerous. When mixed into street drugs, xylazine doesn’t just increase sedation, it shuts the body down.
It can:
- Severely slow heart rate and breathing
- Magnify overdose risks when taken with fentanyl
- Cause deep, painful skin wounds that can spread and become infected
These wounds — described as “flesh-eating” — have become one of the most visible and devastating signs of xylazine exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such severe tissue damage is a hallmark complication of the drug, underscoring how destructive xylazine can be when mixed into the illicit supply.
How Xylazine Complicates Overdose Response
When someone overdoses on drugs that contain xylazine, it can be much harder to respond and time matters. Xylazine is not an opioid, so Narcan (naloxone) does not fully reverse its effects the way it does with fentanyl or heroin.
Because most overdoses involving xylazine also include fentanyl, Narcan should still always be used. It can reverse the opioid part of the overdose and often gives someone the time they need to survive until help arrives.
Even after Narcan, a person may stay unresponsive, breathing slowly, or have a weak pulse. That is why it is so important to call 911 right away and stay with them until medical help gets there.
Who Is Most at Risk in Georgia
While anyone who uses drugs from the unregulated supply can be exposed to xylazine, data from the Georgia Department of Public Health shows clear patterns in who has been most affected.
In 2022, the majority of xylazine-related overdose deaths in Georgia occurred among men between the ages of 35 and 44, and most were white and non-Hispanic. Every single one of those cases also involved fentanyl, showing just how tightly the two drugs are linked in our state.
These numbers are not just statistics. They represent real people, families, and communities right here in Georgia who are being impacted by the changing drug supply. And because xylazine is often mixed into drugs without a person’s knowledge, anyone using drugs of any kind is at risk. Even those who believe they are taking something “safe” may unknowingly be exposed.
At Hygea Healthcare, we see these trends as a reminder that compassion and awareness can save lives. Understanding the risks is the first step toward preventing tragedy and helping more people find the support they need.
Signs Someone May Have Used Xylazine
Spotting the signs of xylazine use can be difficult because they often look very similar to an opioid overdose. In most cases, people who use xylazine are also exposed to fentanyl, so the symptoms overlap.
What makes xylazine different is the severity and persistence of its sedative effects, along with the distinct skin damage it can cause over time.
Common signs may include:
- Extreme drowsiness or unresponsiveness that lasts longer than usual
- Slow or shallow breathing that does not improve after Narcan is given
- Very low blood pressure or weak pulse
- Cool, pale, or clammy skin
- Painful or unexplained skin ulcers or wounds that spread or do not heal, even when the person does not inject drugs
If you notice someone showing these symptoms, treat it as an emergency. Call 911 immediately and, if opioids might be involved, administer Narcan (naloxone) while waiting for help to arrive. Stay with the person and try to keep them awake and breathing.
These small steps can make the difference between life and death — and your quick response could give someone the second chance they need to get help.
Protecting Our Communities: Awareness and Harm Reduction
The growing presence of xylazine in Georgia’s drug supply is frightening, but awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have. Every person who understands the risks can help prevent another tragedy.
Start by spreading reliable information. Many people still do not realize that xylazine is being mixed into fentanyl and other drugs, or that Narcan may not fully reverse its effects. Sharing what you know could save someone’s life.
If you or someone you love uses substances, take steps to stay safer:
- Never use alone.
- Keep Narcan (naloxone) nearby and know how to use it.
- Test your drugs when possible and use small amounts first.
- Watch for wounds or sores that appear or do not heal.
- Reach out for help before a crisis happens.
You can find free naloxone kits and harm reduction resources through the Georgia Department of Public Health and local community programs.
At Hygea Healthcare, we believe harm reduction is part of healing. By educating, supporting, and showing compassion, we can help more people stay alive long enough to recover.
FAQ:
- Are there test strips for xylazine?
Yes, but they are not widely available yet. A few harm reduction programs and nonprofits have begun offering xylazine test strips, but access in Georgia remains limited. Efforts are underway across the U.S. to make them more accessible, just like fentanyl test strips. - Why does xylazine cause wounds and skin damage?
Xylazine reduces blood flow and oxygen to the skin and soft tissue, which can lead to painful ulcers and necrosis even in people who do not inject drugs. The CDC notes that these wounds can develop anywhere on the body and often require medical care or surgery to heal. - What should I do if I think someone has used drugs containing xylazine?
Call 911 immediately. Give Narcan if opioids may be involved, stay with the person, and monitor their breathing until help arrives. Even if Narcan works, they still need medical attention because xylazine’s effects can continue after the opioid is reversed.
Hope and Healing at Hygea Healthcare
At Hygea Healthcare in Atlanta, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to hear about drugs like xylazine entering the community. But there is hope — and there is help.
Recovery is possible with the right care and support. Our team provides evidence-based treatment that addresses both the physical and emotional sides of addiction, helping each person find stability, strength, and healing.
If you or someone you love has been affected by fentanyl, xylazine, or another substance, reaching out is the first step. Whether you need help understanding harm reduction, finding detox options, or beginning a treatment program, Hygea Healthcare is here to guide you.