Serenity Lane Exposes Rise of Dangerous Tranq Dope

Oregon-based rehab center, Serenity Lane, recently published an article discussing the new drug that’s been on the rise – a substance known as Tranq Dope. Despite its increasing popularity, it’s not a human-grade substance. The blog expands on why this new substance has been being used, what it actually is, and how it’s been impacting those who have been partaking in it.

The blog starts off by explaining what exactly Tranq Dope is for its readers. “It specifically refers to Xylazine, which is a veterinary-grade medication utilized as a calming agent or full tranquilizer. It is not approved for human consumption.” Despite not being a human-grade substance, its usage has increased by over 300% from 2019 to 2022 according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Serenity Lane informs the readers that the usage of this substance is fairly new, so it’s not easy to track the exact demographics who have been using it. There have been other statistics regarding Tranq Dope, however, that have been tracked. “The DEA, however, has kept a record of the number of cases by region in the United States. From 2020 to 2021, the South saw the biggest increase in Xylazine-related identifications with a 193% increase. The West had the 2nd highest increase with 112%.”

They go into further detail about the exact numbers before moving on to talk about the side effects of taking Tranq, as well as the common substances it’s mixed with. “While Tranq is sometimes taken intentionally, it is also found mixed with fentanyl and fentanyl-laced substances. It is being utilized to save costs for drug dealers. Some of its side effects can be mistaken for opioids, but it is not an opioid-based substance, and not all of the effects of Xylazine in humans are fully documented, yet.” Serenity Lane notes that some side effects are tracked so far including dry mouth, drowsiness, hypertension, slowed breathing, and slowed heart rate.

While the blog makes it clear that the specifics of long-term damages due to humans taking Xylazine aren’t well documented yet, there is a risk of overdose from this medication. “Xylazine acts similarly to a depressant-type drug. It slows the heart and breathing. When taken in high dosages, your heart rate and breathing can slow to a deadly level.” The overdoses from Xylazine pose an additional concern than just the overdose itself. “Currently, Xylazine is not detected on most common drug screenings. Some of the side effects of a Tranq overdose are also closely related to that of an opioid overdose. Because it’s not an opioid, however, drugs like Narcan or Naloxone have no impact on helping with the overdose.”

As the oldest non-profit rehab in the state, Serenity Lane offers more helpful information about Tranq in their blog. They also want to assure readers that recovery is always possible, even from newer substances like Xyalzine.

Serenity Lane has been helping people overcome substance and alcohol use disorders since 1973. All of the programs they offer have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). They have introduced many new programs in Oregon, such as residential step-down and outpatient programs that integrate residential and outpatient services. They have also been the provider of the only Addiction Counselor Training Program in Oregon. Some of their graduates are now offering their services through several treatment programs throughout the country.

People who would like to know more about the addiction treatment services available through Serenity Lane of Eugene, Oregon can visit their website or contact them by telephone or email. Serenity Lane has live people ready to help place patients from 8:00 am - 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.