The Alarming Rise of 'Zombie Drug' Xylazine in the UK
Recent reports indicate that the dangerous veterinary tranquilliser known as 'zombie drug' xylazine has made its deadly debut in the UK, mixing with opioids like heroin and fentanyl on Britain's streets. The drug has been linked to numerous overdose fatalities and horrific injuries in the U.S., and experts warn the UK could soon see a similar surge.
What is Xylazine?
Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative and analgesic medication primarily used in veterinary medicine to sedate animals. However, its misuse as a recreational substance has become increasingly concerning. Often combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, xylazine is not approved for human use in the United States or the UK. Its misuse can lead to severe health consequences, including addiction, overdose, and even death. The drug’s potent sedative effects make it particularly dangerous when mixed with other substances, exacerbating the risk of respiratory depression and fatal overdoses.
Why is xylazine known as a substance abuse zombie?
Xylazine got its ominous nickname due to the dissociative and amnestic effects it produces in users, leaving them in an intoxicated, zombie-like state of impaired coordination, slurred speech and lethargy. Long-term use has been associated with, addiction, irreversible organ damage, cardiac issues and chronic health problems [1].
What is the extent of the substance use disorder problem in the UK?
According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, xylazine-involved overdose deaths in the U.S. increased over 1,000% from 2010-2019 [2]. Scotland has also seen a spike in suspected drug toxicity deaths showing symptoms indicative of xylazine [3].
How and why is Xylazine imported into the UK for addiction treatment?
The drug is often imported to the UK from Europe and sold as an adulterant or substitute in heroin and fentanyl due to its strong sedative effects and cheap price [4]. However, because naloxone - used to counteract opioid overdose - doesn't work against xylazine, this can make overdoses far more deadly [5].
Other alarming statistics:
- Autopsy findings indicate xylazine was involved in nearly 40% of Philadelphia's overdose deaths in 2019 [6].
- Non-fatal xylazine use has been linked with injuries from accidental self-injections, falls and burns [7].
- Xylazine can cause permanent, debilitating physical effects like memory loss and erectile dysfunction [8].
If xylazine use is suspected, getting treatment through an addiction program equipped for polysubstance abuse disorders is crucial. Rehab facilities can provide medical detox, therapy and relapse prevention tools to give users the best shot at long-term abstinence [9].
At www.findrehab.co.uk we help connect individuals and families with quality drug and alcohol treatment programs. If you or a loved one is struggling with xylazine or other substance abuse issues, contact us today for assistance finding the right rehabilitation option.
Citations
[1] https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Issue-Brief-Xylazine_ADA.pdf
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7037a4.htm
[3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65696801
[5] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/xylazine
[6] https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/27/4/395
[7] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/07/health/fentanyl-xylazine-drug.html
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5650290/
[9] https://www.addictioncenter.com/news/2022/10/tranquilizer-xylazine-threat/
Frequently asked questions
- What is xylazine?
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Xylazine, or Zombie is a veterinary tranquilliser meant to sedate and calm animals. It is not approved for human use but is being misused by drug users, often mixed with opioids.
- How does xylazine work?
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Xylazine causes intense sedation, amnesia, and slowed breathing in humans. It works by activating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain and central nervous system.
- Why is it called the zombie drug?
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Xylazine produces dissociative and amnestic effects that leave users in an intoxicated state with impaired coordination and slurred speech, resembling a "zombie." It also causes extreme lethargy and drowsiness.
- How dangerous is xylazine?
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Xylazine is extremely dangerous. It has been linked to a growing number of overdose deaths due its potency and interactions with opioids. Long-term use can cause irreversible organ damage and health issues.
- How does xylazine-related overdose occur?
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Xylazine increases the respiratory depression effects of opioids like heroin and fentanyl. This leads to breathing becoming dangerously slow or even stopping altogether, resulting in death.
- What treatments exist for xylazine addiction?
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There are no approved medications specifically for treating xylazine use disorder. However, rehab programs focused on polysubstance abuse disorders that incorporate medical detox, therapy and relapse prevention can help users achieve long-term abstinence. Contact us today to start the process of overcoming Xylazine addiction
- Are there any long-term effects of xylazine use?
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Yes, long-term xylazine use has been associated with chronic health problems like organ damage, memory loss, erectile dysfunction and circulatory issues.
- How can I help someone struggling with xylazine addiction?
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If you or you suspect a loved one is misusing xylazine, stage an intervention and urge them to seek professional treatment immediately. Rehab programs are the most effective route to overcoming addiction and achieving long-lasting recovery.
