An emerging threat in Florida and beyond is coming from a decades-old medicine developed solely for use in animals. The medication Xylazine, known on the street as “tranq” or “tranq dope,” has gotten the attention of both law enforcement and health officials because of its frequent use with the opioid fentanyl. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question “What is tranq?” share some of the biggest risks associated with using it, and give you guidance if you suspect someone you know is abusing it.
“Tranq” is a street name for Xylazine, a liquid drug used in veterinary medicine as a sedative and pain reliever for animals. It’s becoming a significant threat for abuse by people who mix it with other drugs, including using it as a cutting agent for heroin and adding it to fentanyl. When combined with fentanyl, tranq can delay withdrawal symtoms and cravings for twice as long as fentanyl alone. If you suspect someone is combining this tranquilizer with other drugs, it’s vital to get them into treatment as soon as possible. Hanley Center is equipped to support men and women who are abusing substances along with tranq by creating personalized treatment plans and gender-specific care.
If you or a loved one need help, call our admissions team today at 561-841-1033.What Is Tranq?
Tranq, formally known as Xylazine, is a drug that is used in veterinary medicine as a sedative and pain reliever for animals. With animals, it has a calming effect, causes muscular relaxation, and relieves pain. In unlawful use of tranq, its liquid solution gets dried and added to pills as a powder or mixed with other powders. Like any tranquilizer, it can reduce anxiety, induce sedation, and relax muscle tension. Tranq’s rapid onset allows it to become effective within minutes, and it can last up to eight hours or more depending on how much was consumed and if it was used alongside another type of drug. In addition, when mixed with fentanyl, tranq prolongs the action of this opioid and can delay cravings and withdrawal symptoms for twice as long as when using fentanyl alone.
Signs & Symptoms of Tranq Use
Tranq is a central nervous system depressant that can produce sleepiness, memory loss, slower breathing, decreased heart rate, and dangerously low blood pressure. At very high dosages or combined with other central nervous system depressants, tranq can produce loss of physical sensation, loss of consciousness, and intensification of the effects of other medications, complicating overdose presentation and treatment.
Dangers of Using Tranq
It has significant risks. Tranq usage can result in skin and soft tissue lesions, including ulcers. These wounds appear atypically on the legs and are distant from injection sites. Tranq can lead to unconsciousness when used at greater dosages. Instead of the semi-awake pleasure associated with opioids, patients taking fentanyl mixed with tranq may black out and awaken hours later. Loss of consciousness adds to the risk of injury from accidents or assault. Tranq’s sedative effects raise the danger of overdose. Also, because tranq is not an opioid, naloxone used to treat opioid overdoses does not reverse the symptoms of tranq overdoses.
Help for Tranq Use
The sudden end of tranq usage might result in withdrawal symptoms. Specific withdrawal symptoms may vary based on factors such as the frequency and length of use, other types of drugs used with it, and your overall health. These symptoms may be similar to withdrawal from any substance that affects the central nervous system, such as agitation and restlessness, increased anxiety, muscle tension and spasms, and more. Fortunately, help is available for someone who’s been abusing tranq in combination with other drugs. Hanley Center provides a medically-managed detox as a first step toward recovery. Following detox, a personalized program with evidence-based interventions meets every need of a patient. In addition, gender-specific care allows women and men to work on recovery goals surrounded by a group of their peers.
Hanley Center in West Palm Beach, FL is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for mental illnesses and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting wellness. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1033.
