Rising Use of Xylazine Sparks Concern in Multiple States

The use of xylazine, also known as "tranq," is increasing in Connecticut, with the tranquilizer being mixed into drugs like fentanyl and heroin, leading to a rise in overdose deaths. At least 260 overdose deaths in the state involved xylazine, and its presence has been found in more than half of the drugs tested at the Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance. The drug's non-opioid nature makes it difficult to reverse its effects with Narcan, posing challenges for treating opioid use disorder. The harm reduction community emphasizes the availability of help for those in need.