Xylazine is a sedative drug commonly used to anesthetize animals before surgery. Tranq is its street name. The drug can also treat pain but has a low safety margin for humans. Xylazine is not approved for human use because of the risk of severe side effects. However, people use the drug recreationally to induce euphoria, relaxation, and drowsiness. What are the risks of tranq, and how can you overcome addiction to it?
If you or someone you know is using tranq, the sooner you reach out for help, the better. Contact the trusted professionals at My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022. Our addiction therapy programs are developed based on the latest studies in addiction treatment. You will surely get the support you need for addiction to tranq or any other addictive substance.
Severe Side Effects of Tranq Use
Many seek Tranq because it is cheaper than street drugs like heroin and fentanyl. It is also used to cut these two drugs to help dealers make enormous profits. Xylazine induces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, drowsiness, and calmness, similar to opioids.
What Are the Risks of Tranq Use?
But it also has serious side effects, like:
- Slowed breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Elevated blood sugar
- Slowed heart rate
- Severe skin wounds
- Necrosis or rotting of the flesh
- Coma
- Overdose
Xylazine use is especially concerning because although it acts similarly to an opioid, it is not an opioid medication, so naloxone cannot reverse a xylazine overdose. Naloxone, the generic drug most well known for its brand name Narcan, is used to reverse opioid overdose. But if someone overdoses on fentanyl or heroin that is laced with xylazine, naloxone will be ineffective. This can result in a fatal overdose.
Can Tranq Cause Amputations?
Using tranq or xylazine can cause amputations. The drug has been associated with severe wounds, including necrosis, also known as the rotting of human tissue. Some people do not seek medical care for such injuries because they do not want to draw attention to their drug use. Necrosis can lead to amputation because these wounds can become infected if left untreated.
Treatment for Xylazine Addiction
Xylazine is a very potent and addictive drug, so you will need the help of medical professionals to address dependence or addiction. Treatment for xylazine addiction will typically include the following.
Medical Detox
Withdrawal from tranq addiction can be particularly brutal. Symptoms can be so severe that many people continue using xylazine, also called the zombie drug, because they fear going through withdrawal. During a medical detox, you will have 24/7 access to trained addiction treatment staff who can administer medications to help you feel more comfortable. You will also be in a safe, secure environment to keep you from relapsing.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
After tranq has left your system through detox, your care team may keep you on a medication regimen to control any lingering withdrawal symptoms. You may also be prescribed medications to address underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression that contributed to or were worsened by tranq use.
Therapy
Therapy can help you explore how your thoughts and feelings affect your actions. Your therapist will lead you through exercises to restructure harmful or unhelpful thoughts to influence more positive behaviors. You will also learn stress reduction and relapse prevention techniques to better cope with triggers and everyday stressors. This can reduce your risk of taking tranq or other drugs to manage emotional discomfort.
Protect Yourself from the Dangers of Tranq in Florida at My 5 Palms
The increased popularity of tranq is especially concerning since the drug can harm physical and mental health. Protect yourself or a loved one from the severe side effects of tranq use by getting them help immediately. Contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more.
