New Steps Being Taken To Raise Xylazine Awareness in New York State

Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced new steps to raise awareness on the spread of the drug xylazine in New York State.

Measures include supplying free xylazine test strips to the public as well as the Office of Addiction Services and Supports and Office of Mental Health programs. Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative found in the unregulated drug supply with potentially harmful effects to users, especially when mixed together with fentanyl. Xylazine is a depressant typically used in veterinary settings that’s not meant for or approved for human usage.

Xylazine can additionally complicate fentanyl overdoses and cause effects like prolonged heavy sedation as well as skin wounds that in more severe cases could require amputation.