Written by Steve B | Updated on Sep 3, 2024
What’s the Deal with Tranq?
So, you’ve probably heard of fentanyl, right? That super potent opioid that’s been causing havoc across the country? Well, apparently some folks thought it wasn’t dangerous enough on its own (yikes!) and decided to mix it with something called xylazine. The result? A nasty cocktail nicknamed “Tranq.”
Now, xylazine isn’t your average street drug. It’s actually an animal tranquilizer. You know, the kind of stuff vets use to sedate horses and other large animals. Not exactly something you’d want in your body, right?
Why is Tranq So Dangerous?
Okay, brace yourself, because this gets pretty gnarly:
1. It extends the high from fentanyl (which is already super risky).
2. If injected, it can cause wounds that don’t heal properly.
3. In some cases, it can even make flesh rot, leading to amputations. (I know, I’m sorry, but I did warn you it was gnarly!)
4. Here’s the kicker: Narcan, our go-to weapon against opioid overdoses, doesn’t work on the xylazine part of Tranq.
A Survivor’s Perspective
Let’s take a moment to hear from someone who’s been in the trenches. Julian Carvajal, a recovering fentanyl user, puts it into perspective:
“I hear people all the time who got sober 5, 10 years ago they’ll tell me ‘if fentanyl was around when I was using I would probably be dead’ and I’ve only been sober over 2 years and there’s already a new drug that’s killing people that I probably would be dead if I was using.”
Scary stuff, right? Julian’s story is a reminder of how quickly the drug landscape can change, and how dangerous these new combinations can be.
How Bad is the Tranq Problem?
Well, according to the DEA (you know, the folks who keep tabs on this sort of thing), in 2022:
– Xylazine was found in about 23% of fentanyl powder seized
– It was also in 7% of fentanyl pills they nabbed
That might not sound like a lot, but considering how much fentanyl is out there, it’s pretty alarming.
So, What’s Being Done About It?
Glad you asked! There’s actually some action happening on the political front:
1. Rep. Vince Fong is co-sponsoring a bill to add Tranq to something called the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. Fancy name, but basically, it’s about tracking where this stuff is coming from.
2. There’s also the STOP TRANQ Act, which has versions in both the House and Senate. The goal? Give law enforcement better tools to tackle this new threat.
Rep. Fong explains it like this: “Having the data, understanding where these narcotics are coming from will allow us to better allocate resources to go after these cartels.”
Is That Enough?
Well, not everyone thinks so. Flindt Andersen, founder of Parents and Addicts in Need (P.A.I.N.), says this is just the start. He’s calling for more funding for addiction programs and support at both state and national levels.
One big issue? There aren’t enough treatment beds available, especially for folks on Medicaid or other government insurance. It’s like, great, we’re trying to stop the supply, but what about helping the people who are already addicted?
What Can We Do?
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. This Tranq situation is scary. But knowledge is power, right? Here are a few takeaways:
1. Spread the word. The more people know about Tranq, the better.
2. Support organizations working on addiction issues in your community.
3. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out for help. There are resources available, even if they’re not as plentiful as they should be.
4. Stay informed. This stuff changes fast, so keep an eye on the news.
Remember, every life saved from addiction is a victory. Let’s hope that with awareness, action, and compassion, we can turn the tide on this latest threat in the opioid crisis.
Steve B
Steve is a tech lead for digital publishing, security, and tech performance enhancement.
https://treatmentcenteragency.com/about-us/
Steve B Marketing, Websites, Writing, Wordpress and SEO professional, security advisor. Making the internet better everyday.
https://betterwebgroup.com
