Often mixed with fentanyl, xylazine amplifies that drug’s lethal effects, causing a sharp rise in overdoses.
Xylazine was included in forensic reports from all but three states in 2022, with at least 43 states documenting deaths related to the drug. Two northeastern states had the highest rates of xylazine-related deaths on record that year, with cities like Philadelphia, New York and Boston grappling with the increased presence of the animal sedative in the illicit drug supply.
The Role of Xylazine in the Drug Market
Commonly used by veterinarians to sedate large animals like horses, deer and cattle, xylazine acts on the central nervous system to produce sedation, muscle relaxation and pain relief. In spite of the drug not being approved for human use, it has nevertheless become a cheap and accessible additive for drug traffickers.
The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that drug dealers buy xylazine through the internet from Chinese suppliers for as little as $6 to $20 per kilogram.
“Because we hyperfocused on fentanyl for so long, the criminal drug market responded with a more lethal and potent substance.”
That low cost—combined with xylazine’s ability to intensify the effects of fentanyl—makes it an attractive option for dealers. One study showed that the effects of xylazine combined with fentanyl extended the duration of a high by 143 times—from 30 minutes to as long as 72 hours.
Xylazine isn’t currently classified as a controlled substance by the federal government, making it relatively easy to obtain and, for drug users, the consequences are devastating. Many don’t know that xylazine has been mixed into their drugs, leading to fatal overdoses, as the combination of xylazine and fentanyl depresses heart rate and breathing.
Legislative Responses and Public Health Concerns
Several northeastern states, including New York, New Jersey and Vermont are pushing for legislation to classify xylazine as a controlled substance. Such measures would impose penalties, including fines and jail time for those caught trafficking or possessing the drug.
Proponents of these laws argue that, without swift action, xylazine will only further infiltrate the drug market and cause more deaths.
But public health officials are warning of the risks of these “get tough” approaches. Sarah Laurel, founder and executive director of Savage Sisters Recovery, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit, has voiced concerns that stricter penalties could drive dealers to find even more dangerous alternatives.
“Because we hyperfocused on fentanyl for so long,” she explains, “the criminal drug market responded with a more lethal and potent substance.”
Public health experts across the region echo her sentiment, advocating for an approach that addresses the root causes of addiction rather than escalating penalties. By focusing solely on law enforcement as a solution, they argue, we run the risk of repeating mistakes made with fentanyl, which saw a rise in more potent substances when crackdowns intensified.
Legislators are therefore beginning to explore a more multipronged approach. Some are considering not only stricter penalties for xylazine trafficking, but more funding for prevention programs and recovery services, which could help decrease the demand for drugs while addressing the supply issues that make xylazine so pervasive on the market.
This crisis isn’t just a matter of statistics, it’s about real lives. Each overdose represents someone’s loved one lost to a preventable tragedy. The stakes are higher than ever, and the solution requires more than laws and penalties. It demands compassion, collaboration and a shared commitment to saving lives.
By joining forces, law enforcement, nonprofits and policymakers can stem the tide of this deadly crisis and offer hope to those caught in the grip of addiction.
The Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s prevention and education program, the Truth About Drugs, can be found at DrugFreeWorld.org.
