Illicit drugs like heroin are dangerous enough on their own. But when they are cut with other more potent drugs like fentanyl or xylazine, the dangers can be significantly greater. Tranq, also called tranq dope, is one of the latest street drugs to make the headlines. This drug, a combination of xylazine and heroin or fentanyl, results in a potentially deadly cocktail making its way around the country rapidly. And the consequences are far worse than many other popular street drugs.
Addressing addiction as early as possible can help prevent tranq dope’s most severe side effects. If you know someone who uses street drugs, talk to them about the hidden dangers lurking in their vice of choice. Encourage your loved one to enroll in one of our evidence-based addiction therapy programs at My 5 Palms. They can call 1.844.675.1022 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate team for more information.
What Is Tranq Dope?
Tranq or tranq dope is used for the cocktail of xylazine and heroin or fentanyl. Xylazine is a pharmaceutical sedative used in veterinary medicine. It is a tranquilizer to sedate animals, control pain and anxiety, and reduce fear or muscle tremors.
While xylazine is safe for animal use, it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use. Still, some people use tranq dope for recreational purposes because:
- It has powerful sedative effects similar to opioids
- It extends the high produced by heroin or fentanyl alone
- It is cheaper than other drugs
Xylazine is a popular additive in many street drugs since it is cost-effective.
What Are the Dangers of Tranq Dope?
Tranq dope is a hazardous substance, as combining the animal tranquilizer xylazine with potent opioids like heroin or fentanyl introduces a whole new array of risks and side effects. Some of the dangers of using tranq dope include:
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Slowed heart rate
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Death
Despite its dangers, many people continue to use tranq dope due to fear of the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with this drug.
What Else Should You Know About Tranq Dope?
Tranq dope is becoming more of a concern as xylazine is showing up in a large portion of the heroin and fentanyl seized by law enforcement. Drug dealers are taking full advantage of the lower cost of xylazine by cutting their products with this animal tranquilizer. Knowing precisely what you are getting is nearly impossible when purchasing street drugs. This puts you at risk of various dangers, including overdose.
With tranq dope, there are a few unique and troublesome side effects. Besides tranq and tranq dope, this drug has earned another nickname—the zombie drug. This street name comes from the effects tranq dope has on the skin. It produces sores and essentially rots your flesh, similar to the decomposition you see on television zombies.
Although unsightly skin sores would seem to be a solid deterrent to using tranq dope, many people unknowingly consume this drug when mixed with another street drug. Tranq dope is highly addictive and produces severe withdrawal discomfort. This is why so many people addicted to this potent drug continue to use it—simply to avoid encountering painful withdrawal symptoms.
Find Xylazine Addiction Treatment in Florida at My 5 Palms
Seeing a loved one struggle with xylazine addiction can be scary, primarily because of its physical side effects. Withdrawal can also be uncomfortable, so choose a reputable treatment program. My 5 Palms offers high-quality addiction treatment to address even the most challenging addictions. Contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate team and learn more about how we can help people struggling with addiction in Florida.
