Half-conscious addicts with deep sores and bent backs are becoming a more frequent site in several countries, especially in the US where the zombie drug has recently gained traction. So what is the ‘zombie drug'? The zombie drug, Xylazine, also known as tranq, is originally an animal tranquilizer that is both cheap and easy to access. As a result, it has made inroads in illicit drug markets. The use of Xylazine was first reported in Puerto Rico and Philadelphia in the mid-2000s. But experts say that it was in 2020 during the covid-19 pandemic that its consumption increased exponentially in Philadelphia and in other states. And now, in 2023, it is present in most U.S. states. When consumed, it is known to cause necrosis in humans because it reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Necrosis, the rotting of human tissue can ultimately cause victims to require amputation and that's where the drug gets its nickname zombie drug.

While ‘tranq' is not an opioid that is used by itself, drug dealers often combine it with depressants or stimulants like heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl to prolong or enhance their effects or to increase their weight, and, in turn, raise their street value. These combinations can be lethal, especially when fentanyl is involved as fentanyl is said to be 50 times stronger than heroin and is often, itself, used to adulterate other drugs like heroin and cocaine. Consumers who use the drug either knowingly or unknowingly often fall into an hours-long stupor. Once they wake up, they are already in need of another high. Treating Xylazine patients is difficult as it requires that the effects of multiple addictions be mediated and, at times, that body parts with infected skin ulcers be amputated. As some grow so deep, they can infect tendons and bones. Overdose reversal drugs that are often used for opioid addicts are not very effective on xylazine, making treatment even harder. Drug abuse is rampant in the U.S. where more than 109,000 lives were claimed in 2022 due to overdoses and other drug-related issues.