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Xylazine co-occurrence with illicit fentanyl is a growing threat in the Deep South: a retrospective study of decedent data.
- Source :
-
Harm reduction journal [Harm Reduct J] 2024 Feb 20; Vol. 21 (1), pp. 46. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Feb 20. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: Xylazine is a dangerous veterinary sedative found mainly in illicit fentanyl in the Northeast and Midwest. Its role in the Deep South overdose crisis is not well-characterized.<br />Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of autopsy data in Jefferson County, Alabama to identify trends in xylazine prevalence among people who fatally overdosed from June 2019 through June 2023.<br />Results: 165 decedents met inclusion criteria. While the first identified xylazine-associated overdose was in June 2019, xylazine has become consistently prevalent since January 2021. All cases of xylazine-associated fatal overdoses were accompanied by fentanyl, and most (75.4%) involved poly-drug stimulant use. The average age was 42.2, and most decedents were white (58.8%) and male (68.5%). Overall, 18.2% of people were unhoused at the time of death.<br />Discussion: Xylazine is prevalent in the Deep South. Efforts to promote harm reduction, publicly viewable drug supply trends, and legalization of drug checking and syringe service programs should be prioritized.<br /> (© 2024. The Author(s).)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1477-7517
- Volume :
- 21
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Harm reduction journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38378660
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-024-00959-2