A dangerous new substance is appearing in the illicit drug supply. “Tranq”, or “tranq dope,” is a combination drug created when the veterinary sedative, Xylazine, is mixed with fentanyl.
Tranq intensifies sedation, increases overdose risk, and causes severe physical reactions. And, because Xylazine is not an opioid, traditional overdose reversal medications may not fully counteract its effects. Ultimately, it makes emergency situations even more complex and professional substance abuse treatment necessary.
What is Xylazine?
Xylazine is a veterinary medication. It is a powerful sedative and muscle relaxer for large animals, like horses. It helps them stay calm during medical procedures.
Because it was designed for animals and not humans, it affects the body differently than drugs like oxycodone or heroin. In humans, it can cause extremely heavy sedation and significantly lower blood pressure and heart rate.
What is Tranq Drug?
Tranq, or “tranq dope”, is the name used when Xylazine is mixed into illicit fentanyl. This isn’t usually something people seek out on its own. Xylazine is added to fentanyl to make the effects of the drug last longer. Because people often don’t know that Xylazine is present in what they are using, it can lead to unexpected physical reactions.
The Dangers of Tranq
The rise of Tranq complicates the overdose crisis. In addition to overdose risk, Tranq poses serious dangers, including:
Narcan Resistance
Xylazine is not an opioid. While Narcan (naloxone) is highly effective at reversing the effects of fentanyl, it has no effect on xylazine. If someone overdoses on a Tranq mix, Narcan may help them breathe by blocking the fentanyl, but the xylazine will keep them in a state of dangerous, heavy sedation.
Severe Skin Wounds
Tranq has earned the nickname “the zombie drug” because of the horrific skin ulcers it causes. Unlike typical injection-site infections, necrotic wounds can appear anywhere on the body. If left untreated, these wounds can lead to widespread infection that leads to amputation.
Respiratory and Cardiac Depression
Fentanyl and xylazine slow down the heart rate and breathing. The body’s vital functions are essentially shut down from two different angles. The combination significantly increases the risk of a fatal overdose.
How Professional Addiction Treatment Can Help You Recover from Tranq Addiction
Recovering from an addiction involving Tranq is uniquely challenging. Because the drug involves both an opioid and a sedative, the withdrawal process can be intense.
Professional treatment provides:
- Medical Supervision: Managing the complex withdrawal symptoms in a controlled setting
- Dual Diagnosis Support: Treating the underlying mental health issues that lead to substance use
- Relapse Prevention: Teaching tools to navigate life outside of treatment
Once an individual becomes stable, they can move into lower levels of care. This includes outpatient treatment programs, such as:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Patients can expect to spend 25 to 30 hours per week in treatment, typically meeting 5 to 6 days a week. Patients get the medical oversight and therapeutic intensity of a residential program, but return home or to sober living each day.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP allows patients to maintain recovery momentum while reintegrating into daily responsibilities. This program typically involves 9 to 15 hours of treatment per week, usually spread across 3 to 5 days. During this time, they continue learning the skills to hold themselves accountable to their recovery journey.
Create a Healthier Future with Outpatient Addiction Treatment at Shoreline Recovery Center
Navigating recovery from Tranq addiction is difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Shoreline Recovery Center in San Diego, we provide a supportive, judgment-free environment. Our outpatient substance use treatment programs provide the clinical care you need while keeping you connected to your life and family. If you’re ready to take the next step, we are here to help.
