Zombie Drug, Popular In Carolinas, Designated “Emerging Threat”
A dangerous new drug called Xylazine has been making its mark on the Carolinas, and now the “zombie drug” has drawn the attention of federal authorities.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy has designated Xylazine, when combined with fentanyl, as an “emerging threat.” Xylazine-related fatalities went from 800 in 2020 to more than 3,000 in 2021. Many of those deaths have been concentrated in the South, including North Carolina and South Carolina.
“We cannot ignore what we’re seeing,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the NDCP office. He was quoted by the Associated Press. “We must act and act now.”
Xylazine goes by many names, including “tranq,” “tranq dope,” and “zombie drug.” It was originally for veterinary use as an animal tranquilizer. Xylazine is dangerous by itself but is often paired with other illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or fentanyl.
Some are calling the arrival of Xylazine the next evolution of the drug crisis. Side effects include unconsciousness and sores that turn into rotting skin. Xylazine abuse was already on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s radar in 2021.
Xylazine made headlines in South Carolina in February after eight people in Clarendon County overdosed on the drug. Behavioral Services officials posted warnings about blue pills. “There have been at least 8 overdose cases by individuals who have taken a “blue pill” containing Xylazine,” cautioned the post. “Two of these cases were young adolescents. “Tranq” is the common street name. It is actually a non-opioid animal TRANQuilizer. Most will use the drug with other drugs without the user’s knowledge. This can be very deadly and irreversible. Please talk to your kids and loved ones.”
