Title: Deadly “Tranq” Cocktail Adds to Opioid Crisis in New York
Subtitle: Xylazine, an Animal Sedative, Causes Horrific Wounds and Complicates Overdoses
Date: [Current Date]
New York City, NY – The opioid crisis in New York has taken a dangerous turn as a deadly cocktail known as “tranq” has emerged, causing severe wounds and complicating overdoses. Xylazine, an animal sedative not approved for human use by the US Drug Administration (FDA), has made its way into the illegal drug market, often combined with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has already caused a record number of fatal overdoses in the country.
Martin, a former opioid addict, shares his harrowing experience with tranq, describing how it “makes holes in your body, in your skin.” During a visit to St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, an association providing aid and needle exchange services in the Bronx, Martin reveals the wounds on his legs and arms, a result of unknowingly injecting himself with xylazine. The substance can eat away at the skin, causing blackened wounds that appear beyond the injection site.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of fatal overdoses involving xylazine has risen significantly in recent years. In 2021 alone, there were 3,480 fatal overdoses involving xylazine in the United States, compared to just 260 in 2018. In New York City, 19% of opioid overdoses in 2021, accounting for 419 deaths, also involved xylazine.
Experts believe that xylazine is added to fentanyl to extend its effects, as fentanyl is a short-acting opioid that requires more frequent use to avoid cravings. However, the side effects of xylazine, including severe anxiety during withdrawal, are significant and pose additional risks to users.
The wounds caused by tranq have become a growing concern for caregivers at St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction. Jazmyna Fanini, a nurse at the association, describes the wounds as appearing as bruises or black marks that eventually lead to tissue death. In some cases, amputations or skin grafts are necessary to treat the wounds.
The opioid crisis in the United States is already overwhelming, and New York City has seen a surge in fatal overdoses, driven by fentanyl and exacerbated by the isolation caused by the pandemic. In 2021, there were 2,668 fatal overdoses in the city, an 80% increase compared to 2019. The Bronx and African American and Hispanic populations have been disproportionately affected.
Efforts to combat the crisis include the distribution of naloxone, a nasal spray that serves as an antidote for fentanyl overdoses. However, xylazine further complicates the situation by slowing breathing and heart rate. The fact that xylazine is not classified as a controlled substance at the federal level makes it challenging for investigators to address the issue effectively.
St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction believes that the emergence of new drug mixtures like tranq is a result of policies that criminalize drug addicts. They argue that addressing the root cause, which is the lack of safe drugs, is crucial to tackling the crisis. The association is participating in a program that allows users to test their drugs for risk, enabling real-time monitoring of changes in the illegal market.
Leonardo Dominguez Gomez, a field investigator for the New York Department of Health, emphasizes the importance of public health campaigns and messages in combating the situation. He believes that it is still possible to prevent the proliferation of xylazine in the market with the right interventions.
As New York City continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, the threat of tranq highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address addiction, provide safe alternatives, and prevent further harm to vulnerable individuals.Title: Deadly “Tranq” Drug Raises Concerns Among American Authorities
Subtitle: Xylazine, an Animal Sedative, Emerges as a Dangerous Cocktail Ingredient
Date: June 22, 2023
In a disturbing trend, the deadly and addictive drug fentanyl has been replaced by a new threat called “tranq” in New York’s illegal drug market. This dangerous cocktail, consisting of xylazine and fentanyl, has caused severe wounds on users’ skin and complicated overdoses. The rise of tranq has raised concerns among American authorities, who are grappling with the ongoing opioid crisis.
Martin, a former opioid addict, shared his harrowing experience with tranq during a visit to St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, an organization providing aid and needle exchange services in the Bronx. He described the drug as causing holes in the body and skin, likening it to a flesh-eating crocodile. Martin’s wounds serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with tranq.
Xylazine, an animal sedative, is not approved for human use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it has found its way into the illegal drug market, often combined with fentanyl. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin and has contributed to a record number of fatal overdoses in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant increase in fatal overdoses involving xylazine, from 260 in 2018 to 3,480 in 2021.
While Philadelphia is considered the epicenter of tranq use, New York City has also been affected. In 2021, 19% of opioid overdoses in the city, accounting for 419 deaths, involved xylazine. The addition of xylazine to fentanyl is believed to extend the drug’s effects, but it comes with severe side effects, including intense anxiety during withdrawal.
The wounds caused by tranq have become more prevalent, with healthcare providers at St. Ann’s witnessing an increasing number of cases. These wounds appear as bruises or black marks, eventually leading to tissue death in the affected areas. Some patients require amputations or skin grafts to treat the severe damage caused by tranq.
The United States is already grappling with the opioid crisis, and the emergence of tranq has further complicated the situation. The isolation caused by the pandemic has increased the risk for drug users, leading to a surge in fatal overdoses. In New York City alone, fatal overdoses reached 2,668 in 2021, an 80% increase compared to 2019. The Bronx and African American and Hispanic populations have been disproportionately affected.
Efforts to combat the crisis include the distribution of naloxone, an antidote for fentanyl overdoses. However, the presence of xylazine complicates the situation further, as it slows breathing and heart rate. Xylazine, authorized for animal use, does not have the same legal status as controlled substances, making it challenging for investigators to address the issue at its source.
St. Ann’s believes that the appearance of new drug mixtures like tranq is a result of policies criminalizing drug addicts. They emphasize the need for safe merchandise and advocate for programs that allow users to test their drugs for potential risks. These initiatives can provide real-time data on changes in the illegal drug market and help health services monitor the situation effectively.
As American authorities grapple with the tranq crisis, the city’s approach to delivering messages and conducting public health campaigns will play a crucial role in addressing the issue. The urgency to tackle the real problem and prevent further poisoning of individuals remains a top priority for organizations like St. Ann’s and the wider community.
What measures are being taken to combat the emergence of tranq and its impact on the opioid crisis, particularly in vulnerable populations
Ve become a growing concern for healthcare professionals. Nurses at St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction have observed the wounds appearing as bruises or black marks that eventually lead to tissue death. In severe cases, amputations or skin grafts may be necessary for treatment.
The emergence of tranq further complicates the already overwhelming opioid crisis in the United States, particularly in New York City, where fatal overdoses have surged. In 2021, the city recorded 2,668 fatal overdoses, an 80% increase compared to 2019. The Bronx and minority populations have been disproportionately affected.
Efforts to combat the crisis include the distribution of naloxone, an antidote for fentanyl overdoses. However, xylazine, as a component of tranq, slows breathing and heart rate, making interventions more challenging. The fact that xylazine is not classified as a controlled substance at the federal level adds to the difficulty in addressing the issue effectively.
St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction believes that the rise of tranq is a result of policies that criminalize drug addicts. They argue that addressing the root cause, which is the lack of safe drugs, is crucial to tackling the crisis. The association is actively participating in a program that allows users to test their drugs for risk, providing real-time monitoring of changes in the illegal market.
Leonardo Dominguez Gomez, a field investigator for the New York Department of Health, emphasizes the importance of public health campaigns in combating the situation. He believes that with the right interventions, it is still possible to prevent the widespread proliferation of xylazine in the market.
As New York City continues to grapple with the worsening opioid crisis, the emergence of tranq highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies. These strategies should focus on addressing addiction, providing safe alternatives, and preventing further harm to vulnerable individuals.
This alarming article sheds light on the emerging danger of “Tranq,” a lethal combination devastating opioid addicts in New York. The rise of this deadly cocktail highlights the urgent need for effective intervention strategies and increased awareness to combat this growing threat.
This article sheds light on the alarming issue of “Tranq”, a lethal mixture affecting opioid addicts in New York. We must urgently address this emerging threat, implementing effective strategies to tackle its spread and save lives.