TRENTON, N.J. — As New Jersey faces a growing addiction crisis tied to the use of a potent animal tranquilizer known as “tranq,” health officials and addiction specialists are underscoring the expanding availability of treatment options across the state. Tranq, the street name for xylazine, is increasingly found mixed with opioids like fentanyl, leading to heightened health risks and complications in overdose cases.
Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative primarily used by veterinarians, has been raising alarms due to its effects, which include extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and necrotic skin ulcers. Because xylazine is not an opioid, it does not respond to naloxone, the overdose-reversing drug that has been a cornerstone of opioid overdose prevention.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an alert, noting that “xylazine has been identified as a contaminant in illicit drugs, and xylazine-related overdoses cannot be reversed by naloxone, making it more difficult to address in emergency settings.”
New Jersey officials are emphasizing the availability of recovery services to combat the growing crisis. The state’s Department of Human Services operates the ReachNJ hotline, a 24/7 resource that provides confidential assistance and referrals to treatment facilities and crisis support. According to Governor Phil Murphy, “Our goal is to make sure anyone who needs help can get it, no matter what substance they’re struggling with.”
In an effort to counter the evolving threat of substances like xylazine, New Jersey has expanded funding for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs and increased outreach through harm reduction initiatives. Harm reduction centers, including Newark’s syringe exchange, have reported a rise in xylazine-related cases. “We’re seeing more severe wounds and a need for different medical approaches when xylazine is involved,” said Caitlin O’Neill, program director of the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition, in an interview with NJ Spotlight News.
The presence of xylazine reflects broader changes in the drug supply, complicating the state’s response to addiction. Dr. Shereef Elnahal, a former New Jersey health commissioner and current undersecretary for health at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, previously explained to reporters that the proliferation of xylazine adds “a new and dangerous dimension to the overdose crisis.” He noted that awareness and adaptation are key to ongoing response efforts.
For those seeking help, the state’s comprehensive resources include outpatient treatment, detox programs, and support for family members. “The more we get the word out about treatment options, the better we can serve people in crisis,” said Valerie Mielke, assistant commissioner of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
With tranq-related overdoses on the rise, state leaders and health organizations are urging individuals to be vigilant and take advantage of available recovery programs. “We must be proactive, understanding the shifts in drug use trends and responding with flexible treatment options,” Governor Murphy stated during a recent press conference.
The rise of xylazine poses new challenges, but state officials stress that the recovery and rehabilitation infrastructure in New Jersey is evolving to meet the needs of those struggling with addiction.
Visit Reachnj.gov for more options.
