Biden Administration Designates Fentanyl Combined with Xylazine as an Emerging Threat to the United States
Bottom line up front: ONDCP released a memo that designates fentanyl mixed with xylazine as an emerging threat. Skip down to “What Steps are Being Taken” to read what the administration is doing and then head down to my analysis to get my read on the situation.
Introduction
On April 12, 2023, the Biden-Harris administration released a press release designating fentanyl combined with xylazine as an emerging threat to the United States. This designation was made after careful consideration of the dangers posed by this drug combination and the increasing prevalence of its use. In this article, we will discuss the reasons for this designation, the effects of fentanyl combined with xylazine, and the steps being taken to combat this emerging threat.
What is fentanyl combined with xylazine?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is many times more powerful than heroin. It is often used to treat severe pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients. However, it is also used illicitly and is responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths in the United States. Xylazine is a veterinary sedative that is sometimes used to cut or dilute fentanyl. When fentanyl is combined with xylazine, the resulting drug combination is extremely potent and dangerous.
Why is fentanyl combined with xylazine an emerging threat?
Fentanyl combined with xylazine is an emerging threat for several reasons. First, the drug combination is extremely potent and can cause overdose and death even in very small doses. Second, the use of xylazine to cut fentanyl is a relatively new development in the illicit drug market, meaning that many users may not be aware of the dangers of this drug combination. Finally, the use of fentanyl combined with xylazine is on the rise, with law enforcement officials reporting an increase in seizures of this drug combination in recent years.
What are the effects of fentanyl combined with xylazine?
The effects of fentanyl combined with xylazine are similar to those of fentanyl alone, but they are much more potent and dangerous. Users may experience intense feelings of euphoria and relaxation, followed by confusion, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. In some cases, users may experience seizures, coma, or death.
What steps are being taken to combat this emerging threat?
The Biden administration is taking several steps to combat the emerging threat of fentanyl combined with xylazine. These include:
Designating fentanyl combined with xylazine as an emerging threat: This designation will allow law enforcement officials to more effectively target the distribution and use of this drug combination.
Increasing funding for drug treatment programs: The administration is increasing funding for drug treatment programs to help individuals who are struggling with addiction to fentanyl and other drugs.
Increasing resources for law enforcement: The administration is providing additional resources to law enforcement agencies to help them combat the distribution and use of fentanyl combined with xylazine.
Educating the public about the dangers of this drug combination: The administration is working to educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl combined with xylazine and the signs of opioid overdose.
Analysis
Although it is a good thing to designate it as a threat, there is so much more this administration could do to combat the fentanyl problem and they aren’t doing it. I first wrote about Xylazine as an emerging threat at least 3 years ago. This was not a shocker that it was going to be an issue. No particular strategy was released in the memo and what they did write in the memo was heavy on harm reduction and light on actual enforcement operations.