Xylazine is an alarming drug trend that can cause blackouts, heart failure, and xylazine wounds on the skin. Because the substance is only approved for veterinary sedation, it hasn’t had close monitoring of the dangers of human use. Xylazine skin damage is a frightening issue. Yet even further, the drug is so addictive it can cause wounded people to keep returning. Let’s talk about the recovery options for tranq treatment.
What Is Tranq?
Tranq is another name for xylazine, a powerful sedative drug that is only approved for use in veterinary medicine. However, many people are using xylazine, whether intentionally to boost a high or unintentionally, because of traces in their other drugs. The FDA approves xylazine for veterinary use, but it isn’t monitored as a controlled substance. It has strong effects as a central nervous system depressant.
How Do People Use Tranq?
Unfortunately, people in drug hotspots who are already at risk of addiction and overdose are often the ones using tranq. Also, because of its reputation as a party drug, people use it recreationally. This includes young people and first-time drug users. Tranq can be mixed into the powder form of other drugs and smoked or snorted. It also comes as a clear liquid that can be injected and a tablet to be swallowed.
Tranq Facts
Illicit xylazine is most commonly used with other substances, like fentanyl, heroin, or cocaine. This is at least partially due to xylazine being cut with other drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Laboratory System found that 23 percent of fentanyl powder and 7 percent of fentanyl pills that were confiscated contained xylazine. However, a trend has risen alongside the opioid epidemic, which is the intentional mixture of fentanyl and xylazine to get a stronger high. Notably, polysubstance abuse drastically raises one’s risk of overdose. Each drug is strong on its own but potentially fatal when mixed. In fact, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy declared xylazine-fentanyl use to be a national threat.
What’s the Difference Between Tranq and Xylazine?
Tranq and xylazine are both references to the same substance, a general anesthetic drug used in veterinary medicine. Another common name for tranq when it’s mixed with fentanyl is tranq-dope. When tranq is mixed with cocaine, it’s called speedball. Other names include sleep cut, horse tranq, and zombie drug. Brand names include Chanazine, Sedazine, Anased, and Rompun.
Why Is Tranq Dangerous?
Xylazine has many dangerous symptoms, which have earned it nationwide fear over the tranq epidemic. Xylazine side effects include:
- Slow breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Sleepiness
- Memory loss
- Hypertension
- Respiratory depression
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
Because xylazine isn’t an opioid, opioid antagonists like Narcan won’t work to reverse the effects of an overdose. Alarmingly, tranq can put individuals into a blackout state for hours, where they are susceptible to being harmed. Another severe danger is tranq sores, which are open wounds that can become infected and reach bones.
What Are Xylazine Wounds?
Xylazine sores are necrotic skin ulcers. These infections can be so severe they spread into the bone. Tragically, many individuals have had to amputate previously healthy limbs due to xylazine-caused skin infections. Tranq drug wounds look like scaly dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. They can also appear as blackened, red, or pus-filled sores. Wound care is essential to prevent infections and other xylazine-induced skin issues.
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Speak With Our Admissions TeamTranq Addiction Treatment Options
Xylazine is possibly one of the most dangerous drug crises due to the severity of symptoms and risk of addiction. Realistically, the only way to escape tranq addiction, including polysubstance addiction, is to receive treatment through a rehab center. Each of our clients detoxes drugs from their body before spending time in traditional therapy sessions. They work towards self-exploration and relapse prevention to rise above their drug addiction. Fortunately, insurance can help you afford rehab so you can get help for tranq use.
Psychotherapy
Traditional psychotherapy is an evidence-based practice for the treatment of substance dependence. In group and individual sessions, clients explore the reasons behind their drug use to foster inner strength to quit.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy explores one’s negative patterns of behaving and thinking and the effect these have on one’s life. By reframing and adapting these habits, the individual can experience lasting lifestyle change.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy is a version of cognitive behavioral therapy that places particular emphasis on emotional management. Individuals learn to regulate their feelings and adjust their behaviors accordingly.
How Long Does Addiction Treatment Take?
The length of tranq drug addiction treatment largely depends on the person. Each client brings their own unique history and risk factors. Thus, we create individual service plans for each person that establishes their goals, program track, and recovery timeline.
Detox
Detoxification is the first stage of treatment. Medical detox in a rehab facility safely removes substances from the client’s body. We can alleviate withdrawal symptoms with medication.
Residential Treatment
Residential inpatient treatment is the early stage of recovery, in which clients live in-center and receive 24/7 professional support. They participate in daily traditional and holistic therapy sessions to learn valuable recovery skills and grow their self-trust.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is a more independent stage after residential treatment. Clients move out but attend daily sessions in-center with reduced weekly hours. They have more opportunities to practice independence in their recovery.
Aftercare
During aftercare, clients have the option to remain as connected to continuing treatment as they wish. We help them find support groups, host sober events, and provide access to sober living housing.
Looking for quality treatment for substance abuse and mental health that’s also affordable? Aliya Health Group's treatment facilities accept most major insurance providers. Get a free insurance benefits check now!
Check Your CoverageFind a Tranq Recovery Program Near Me
At our safe and secure treatment centers, you can heal from the wounds of addiction. Issues like opioid use disorder and a need for safer drug use practices make treatment all the more important.
As soon as you enter our rehab, you will be viewed and listened to as a person, not an illness. You’re ready to leave your xylazine-associated wounds in the past. Enter our tranq recovery program today.
