Doctor Sarah Wakeman, a leading figure in addiction medicine, highlighted the alarming rise of xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer, during a recent Massachusetts Legislature meeting focused on public health. Wakeman, who serves as the senior medical director for substance use disorder at Mass General Brigham, emphasized the drug's troubling prevalence and its dangerous role in the opioid crisis.

Xylazine, often referred to as "tranq," is not approved for human use in the U.S. but has been increasingly mixed with opioids like fentanyl to prolong their effects and mitigate withdrawal symptoms. First identified in Puerto Rico over two decades ago, its presence has surged, particularly in the Northeast, with reports indicating that by 2023, it was found in 99 percent of street opioid samples in Philadelphia.

Wakeman expressed deep concern about the health implications of xylazine, which is known for causing heavy sedation and various health complications. She noted that while the drug has been around for years, its rapid spread across more than 30 states poses significant challenges for healthcare providers and public health officials.

The discussion underscored the urgent need for awareness and action regarding xylazine's impact on communities, particularly as it continues to complicate the landscape of substance use disorder treatment. As the meeting concluded, the focus remained on developing strategies to address the growing threat posed by this potent tranquilizer.