Urges NJ DOH to increase public awareness on effects of xylazine.
The resolution stresses that xylazine is often mixed with other substances, particularly illicit fentanyl, which magnifies its euphoric effects and increases the risk of life-threatening overdoses. As a central nervous system depressant, repeated use of xylazine can lead to severe complications including skin ulcers and abscesses. The New Jersey Drug Enforcement Administration has also issued warnings regarding its adverse health effects, indicating a significant public health threat posed by xylazine in the state.
Senate Resolution No. 12 (SR12) urges the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to enhance public awareness about the dangers associated with the drug xylazine, also known as 'Tranq' or 'Zombie Drug'. This non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer is not approved for human use and has been increasingly linked to overdose deaths across New Jersey and surrounding states. The resolution aims to inform the public on how xylazine can cause serious health issues, including drowsiness, amnesia, and dangerously low vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure.
One notable aspect of SR12 is its call for educational resources to be provided to New Jerseyans about the dangers of xylazine. While the resolution does not seek to impose legal restrictions or penalties, it highlights the urgent need for public health outreach and awareness campaigns to combat the rising incidents of xylazine-related overdoses. This reflects an acknowledgment that, since xylazine isn't an opioid, common antidotes like naloxone are ineffective against its overdose effects, necessitating tailored educational strategies.