WKRN: Group works to tackle zombie drug ‘tranq’ problem in Tennessee through training, awareness

The Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug, and Other Addiction Services (TAADAS) is teaching Tennesseans about the dangers of the animal tranquilizer, xylazine, that is increasingly being mixed into the state’s illicit drug supply.
Aug 4
Xylazine, commonly referred to as tranq, is an animal tranquilizer that causes severe side effects when used by humans, including open sores on the body resulting in gangrene and amputation, and depression of the central nervous system.

“Drugs have changed,” Mary Lindon Salter, the executive director of TAADAS said. “This is a whole different strength; this is a whole different issue.”

According to the most recent data from the TN Dept. of Health, overdose deaths involving xylazine in the state increased from 23 in 2019 to 192 in 2022. At least one other substance was always detected along with xylazine, including most commonly fentanyl, meth, and/or cocaine.

“The drug supply is heavily laced with fentanyl and xylazine so you’re not getting away from it if you’re an active user. That’s the biggest problem.,” Salter said.

TAADAS recently hosted a training on the dangers of combining xylazine, fentanyl, and meth. In addition, a state law criminalizing xylazine went into effect in July 2023, resulting in multiple arrests across Tennessee, including two in March in Knox County and West Tennessee, according to officials.

However, Salter told News 2 more can be done to help mitigate the problem. “It doesn’t just stop the addiction when you stop the supply, so we have to do things to provide enough treatment and ongoing treatment and support.”