The “flesh-eating drug” in Portland, OR, refers to xylazine, known on the streets as “tranq.” Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that is increasingly being mixed with fentanyl. This combination can cause severe skin ulcers and infections, leading to necrosis, and is resistant to opioid overdose treatments like Narcan.
In 2023, Multnomah County reported five deaths due to tranq mixed with fentanyl, though there have been no confirmed deaths so far in 2024. Local health officials are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further spread
What is Xylazine?
Xylazine is a veterinary sedative and muscle relaxant commonly used to calm animals during medical procedures or transport. It acts on the central nervous system to produce a state of sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Though primarily intended for veterinary use, xylazine has been increasingly found as an adulterant in illicit drug supplies, raising concerns due to its dangerous effects on humans and the potential for sedative addiction.
Xylazine is also referred to as “tranq” or “tranq dope” when it appears in illicit drug markets. This nickname reflects its use as a tranquilizer in veterinary medicine. In the context of street drugs, “tranq” is often used to describe mixtures containing xylazine, which is sometimes combined with opioids like fentanyl, enhancing the sedative effects and increasing the risk of dangerous side effects and overdose.
In veterinary medicine, xylazine is used for its sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant properties. It is commonly administered to animals such as horses, cattle, and other large mammals to facilitate procedures that might otherwise cause stress or pain. This can include surgeries, dental work, or any other medical treatments requiring the animal to remain calm and still. The drug helps ensure both the safety of the animal and the veterinary staff during these interventions.
Xylazine is manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that specialize in veterinary medicines. It was first developed in the 1960s and has since been widely distributed for legitimate veterinary use. However, its appearance in illicit drug markets typically results from diversion from legal veterinary sources or illicit production. Its misuse has been particularly noted in North America, where it is sometimes mixed with opioids like heroin or fentanyl to enhance the effects, despite the significant risks it poses to human health.
Does Tranq Eat Flesh?
Tranq, also known as xylazine, has gained a notorious reputation as a “flesh-eating” drug due to its severe and damaging effects on the skin and tissues of users. While xylazine itself does not literally “eat” flesh, its use, particularly when injected, can lead to significant skin and tissue damage. The drug can cause severe necrosis, which is the death of skin and underlying tissues, leading to ulcerations, abscesses, and infections.
Xylazine can cause profound vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the areas where it is injected. This decreased blood supply can lead to tissue death and the development of open sores and ulcers. When these wounds are left untreated, they can become infected, leading to further tissue destruction. The drug’s sedative effects also contribute to users neglecting personal hygiene and wound care, exacerbating the severity of the skin damage.
In Portland, and other areas where xylazine use has been identified, the term “flesh-eating” drug has been coined to describe the alarming physical manifestations associated with its misuse. The graphic nature of the skin lesions and the rapid progression from injection to severe tissue damage create a vivid and disturbing image that aligns with the “flesh-eating” label. These effects not only cause immense physical pain and disfigurement but also pose significant challenges for medical treatment, increasing the risk of serious infections and complications for individuals using the drug.
DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine
The combination of fentanyl and xylazine presents significant dangers due to the potent effects of both substances. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is already known for its high risk of overdose and death.
When mixed with xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, the dangers are amplified. Xylazine can cause severe respiratory depression, bradycardia (slow heart rate), and hypotension (low blood pressure), compounding the respiratory and central nervous system depression caused by fentanyl. This combination significantly increases the risk of fatal overdose.
Additionally, xylazine is not an opioid, so standard opioid overdose treatments like naloxone (Narcan) are less effective, complicating emergency responses. The mixture can also cause severe necrosis and skin ulcerations at injection sites, leading to infections and long-term health complications.
Are There Reports of This Drug in Portland?
Yes, there are reports of fentanyl mixed with xylazine appearing in Portland. Local health authorities and law enforcement agencies have raised alarms about the increasing presence of this dangerous combination in the illicit drug market. The Multnomah County Public Health Department and the Portland Police Bureau have documented instances of this mixture, highlighting its severe impact on the community. This trend mirrors national patterns, where the combination of fentanyl and xylazine is becoming more common, exacerbating the opioid crisis and posing new challenges for public health and safety officials in Portland and beyond.
Opioid Treatment in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is facing a significant challenge with opioid and fentanyl addiction, and Crestview Recovery is at the forefront of the battle to help individuals reclaim their lives. With a comprehensive array of treatment options, including residential, outpatient, and aftercare services, Crestview Recovery provides tailored support to those struggling with opioid and fentanyl addiction. Our evidence-based programs are designed to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, offering a holistic approach to recovery.
Crestview Recovery’s residential opioid addiction treatment program offers a structured and supportive environment for individuals seeking to overcome their addiction. This program provides 24/7 care, allowing clients to focus entirely on their recovery without the distractions and triggers of everyday life. The residential program includes individual and group therapy, and holistic therapies such as yoga and mindfulness. By immersing clients in a therapeutic community, the residential program helps them build a solid foundation for long-term recovery, develop coping strategies, and establish healthy routines.
For those who require flexibility while undergoing treatment, Crestview Recovery offers outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder. This program is ideal for individuals who have completed residential treatment or those with less severe addiction issues. Outpatient treatment includes regular counseling sessions, both individual and group, and access to medical support when needed. Clients can continue with their daily responsibilities, such as work or school, while receiving the care they need. This approach allows for a gradual reintegration into society while maintaining a strong support system, which is crucial for sustained recovery.
Recognizing that recovery is a lifelong journey, Crestview Recovery provides a robust aftercare program for addiction. This program offers ongoing support and resources to help clients maintain their sobriety after completing residential or outpatient treatment. Aftercare services include regular check-ins, continued therapy sessions, support groups, and access to community resources. The aftercare program is designed to help individuals navigate the challenges of everyday life, prevent relapse, and continue building a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. By maintaining a connection to a supportive community, clients can stay motivated and focused on their recovery goals.
In addition to long-term treatment programs, Crestview Recovery is prepared to respond to the immediate needs of individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. Emergency care for opioid overdose includes the administration of naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Crestview Recovery also provides education and resources to the community about the signs of overdose and the importance of carrying naloxone. This immediate intervention can be life-saving and offers a critical first step toward comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery.
By offering a continuum of care, from emergency interventions to long-term support, Crestview Recovery plays a vital role in addressing the opioid and fentanyl crisis in Portland. Their comprehensive treatment programs provide individuals with the tools and support they need to overcome addiction and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Call For Fentanyl Treatment in Portland
It’s important to be aware that dealers may mix fentanyl with other drugs and increase the danger of using illicit drugs or medications you obtain without a prescription. Our team at Crestview Recovery approaches the issue of addiction with compassion and will offer a helping hand to those who need treatment. We serve the Portland area and surrounding towns. Call Crestview Recovery today to learn which addiction treatment program is best for you or your loved one. We’re waiting on your call.
