New ‘x-factor’ in unregulated street drug supply prompts provincial warning
Posted Apr 14, 2023 02:04:42 PM.
Last Updated Apr 14, 2023 02:11:31 PM.
Concern continues to grow locally and across the country about a new ‘x-factor’ creeping into supplies of unregulated street drugs and killing their users.
It’s called xylazine, an animal tranquilizer not meant for human consumption and recently named an ‘emerging threat‘ in the United States which is being ‘cut’ into recreational drugs and common opioids like fentanyl and heroin to extend effects and boost street values.
“The “high” from fentanyl lasts for a very short time compared to the high from heroin and other opioids,” reads a report from the Region of Waterloo Prevention and Harm Reduction Program dated March 9, 2023. “Xylazine may be added, to extend the effects of fentanyl and mimic the high of heroin.”
The report goes on to say xylazine’s effects typically last between eight and 72 hours in humans, dependent on the the individual and the dose.
It also says it’s main effect is heavy sedation, meaning it most often also causes those who take it to become unresponsive.
Further side effects may also include central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, cardiovascular effects, necrosis (rotting skin), and death.
Xylazine is also not an opioid itself which means it does not respond to opioid-reversing drugs like Narcan and could, effectively, drag users back into an overdose even after naloxone has been administered.
The rise it its use to adulterate street drugs has also prompted a recent warning from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and Chief Coroner to all provincial public health units, according to the Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy (WRIDS) which says the earliest reports of xylazine turning up in the local street drug supply dates back to November 2022.
WRIDS also notes, as of early February 2023, the prevalence locally remains ‘limited’.
Despite that, it says it has been working with Region of Waterloo Public Health to create and share some key messages about xylazine, including to never use drugs alone and, if using with a friend, not to use at the same time.
It also suggests testing a small amount first, avoid mixing substances, and to ensure naloxone is readily available if needed.
It also suggests visiting the Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site at 150 Duke Street W. in Kitchener which is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
You can also call ‘Here 24/7‘ for addiction, mental health, and crisis services anytime for support at 1-844-437-3247 (1-844-HERE247).
