The unregulated street drug supply in Ontario is constantly changing, and it has become more dangerous than ever. A new and alarming substance is appearing more frequently: xylazine. You may have heard it called “Tranq” or “zombie drug” in the news.
TL;DR:
According to the Government of Canada, xylazine is being found in a growing number of expected opioid samples, creating new and serious risks for anyone who uses street drugs. Understanding what xylazine is and the dangers it poses is critical to staying alive. At Arrow Medical, our priority is your safety, and that starts with giving you clear, honest information.
Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative, pain reliever, and muscle relaxant that is approved in Canada only for veterinary use. It is a powerful tranquillizer for large animals like horses and cattle, but it is not safe for humans.
It is being added to other drugs, most commonly fentanyl, to prolong or enhance the effects. Because it’s a cheap bulking agent, people who use drugs often don’t even know it’s in what they are buying. This unpredictability is what makes the current drug supply so deadly.
Xylazine (“Tranq”): A non-opioid animal tranquillizer increasingly found in the unregulated drug supply. It causes heavy sedation and severe skin wounds and does not respond to naloxone.
The risks associated with xylazine are severe and different from those of opioids alone.
The street supply is a gamble you can’t afford to take. With xylazine in the mix, you never know what you’re getting, and the consequences can be devastating.
If you think someone is overdosing and xylazine might be involved, follow these steps:
With xylazine contaminating the drug supply, the only way to be sure about what you are putting in your body is to get it from a doctor. Medically prescribed treatments provide a safe, regulated alternative that eliminates the risk of unknown contaminants.
At Arrow Medical, we provide life-saving options that protect you from the dangers of the street supply:
Choosing treatment at a clinic like ours in Barrie, Toronto, or our other locations is the single most important step you can take to protect yourself.
Q: How can I tell if xylazine is in my drugs?
You can’t. There is no way to see, smell, or taste it. This is why the street supply is so dangerous. The only way to be safe is to not use it. There are drug checking services, but these are unfortunately not readily accessible.
Q: Can I get xylazine wounds even if I don’t inject?
Yes. While the wounds are more common with injection, severe skin ulcers have been reported in people who smoke or snort drugs containing xylazine. This is because xylazine restricts blood flow throughout the body.
Q: Is there treatment for xylazine addiction?
Yes. While there is no specific “agonist therapy” for xylazine itself, our medical teams can help manage the complex withdrawal symptoms. The most important treatment is to get you onto a safe, regulated medication like methadone or Suboxone to treat the underlying opioid use disorder and remove the need to use contaminated street drugs.
Your life is not a gamble. The street supply is more dangerous than it has ever been. Protect yourself by choosing a safe, medical alternative. Walk into any Arrow Medical clinic today to get started on a safer path.
