London, England – People in the UK seeking relief from pain, anxiety, and insomnia through the use of cannabis vapes and illicit sedatives may unknowingly be putting themselves at risk of consuming a potent animal tranquilizer known as xylazine. This substance, which can lead to skin ulcers and overdoses, has been increasingly prevalent in the US and is now making its way into the UK’s drug market.
Recent research from King’s College London reveals that xylazine has been steadily growing in popularity in the UK, with multiple deaths linked to its consumption since 2022. Unlike in the US, where xylazine is often mixed with opioids like heroin or fentanyl, in the UK, it has been found in counterfeit prescription drugs and vapes containing THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.
Dr. Caroline Copeland, a senior author of the study, expresses concern over the broader population that may now be exposed to the dangers of xylazine, beyond traditional heroin users. The study, published in the Addiction journal, highlights that xylazine has been detected in 16 individuals, 11 of whom tragically lost their lives.
The combination of xylazine with strong opioids like heroin is particularly worrisome, as it significantly increases the risk of overdose. According to Dr. Copeland, the actual number of deaths related to xylazine is likely higher than reported, as the substance does not remain in the body for long periods.
Xylazine, used primarily in veterinary medicine as a sedative and painkiller, can have severe effects on human health, including dangerous reductions in breathing and heart rate. The emergence of xylazine in the UK follows a trend of growing concerns over synthetic drugs like nitazenes, which have been implicated in a series of deaths among heroin users.
Experts like Dr. Adam Holland emphasize the urgency of expanding harm reduction interventions, such as drug checking and overdose prevention centers, to mitigate the risks associated with adulterated substances. With the government’s intention to reclassify xylazine as a class C drug, the hope is to curb its distribution and safeguard the public from its harmful effects.