How a flesh-rotting ‘zombie drug’ is complicating the overdose crisis

CBC News: The National
13 Dec 202309:30
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script discusses the alarming rise of 'Tran,' a street drug made from a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine, an animal tranquilizer. This dangerous combination is causing severe health issues, particularly skin infections and abscesses, and has taken a significant toll on communities in Philadelphia and is now spreading to Canada. The drug renders users unconscious, making them easy targets for robbery and increasing the risk of overdose. Health Canada warns of a significant increase in xylazine cases, with a focus on Ontario, where outreach workers like Lacy Kresman are adapting their services to respond to the changing drug landscape. The narrative emphasizes the importance of drug testing and education to combat the growing threat of Tran and the need for funding to support these initiatives. Personal stories from those affected, including individuals in recovery and outreach workers, highlight the human cost of the drug crisis.

Takeaways
  • 🚨 The dangerous street drug 'Tran', a mix of fentanyl and xylazine (an animal tranquilizer), is causing severe health issues like skin infections and abscesses.
  • 📈 Tran's use has skyrocketed in Philadelphia, leading to a significant increase in skin wounds and overdoses.
  • 🏥 Mobile clinics are attending to the affected individuals, with nurse practitioners like Michelle Murphy Rosansky treating numerous patients daily.
  • 🐛 Infections are so severe that maggots are found in wounds, highlighting the extent of the problem.
  • 📊 Health Canada has seen a surge in xylazine cases, jumping from 5 to over 1,300 in five years, with a significant presence in Ontario.
  • 🛂 The border city of Windsor in Southern Ontario is particularly affected by the opioid crisis, with rising overdose deaths.
  • 🆘 Outreach workers like Lacy Kresman are adapting their responses to the new reality of Tran in the drug supply, emphasizing safe drug use supplies.
  • ⚠️ The presence of xylazine in drugs changes the signs of overdose, complicating the response for those on the front lines of harm reduction.
  • 🧪 Drug testing is crucial for understanding the composition of street drugs and the risks they pose, as illustrated by the work at St. Michael's Hospital lab.
  • 📉 While xylazine levels have fluctuated, the unpredictability of drug additives makes the situation increasingly dangerous for users.
  • 💰 Funding for drug testing and harm reduction initiatives is essential to support individuals using substances and to get ahead of the Tran crisis.
  • ❤️ Personal stories of loss and struggle, like those shared by Lacy, underscore the human toll of the opioid crisis and the urgency of community education and support.
Q & A

  • What is the name of the substance that is causing infections and skin issues among drug users in the transcript?

    -The substance causing these issues is called 'Tran', which is a street name for a mixture containing xylazine, an animal tranquilizer.

  • What are the effects of using Tran on a person's body?

    -Tran can cause severe skin infections, rotting wounds, swelling, and abscesses. It can also lead to unconsciousness, making users vulnerable to robbery and other forms of exploitation.

  • What is the role of the mobile clinic in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood?

    -The mobile clinic, run by the city and a local hospital, provides medical treatment to people suffering from the effects of Tran, including severe skin wounds and infections.

  • How has Tran affected the drug scene in Canada?

    -Tran has been showing up in Canada, making the overdose crisis worse. It has been found in street drugs and has been linked to a rise in overdose deaths, particularly in areas hit hard by the opioid crisis.

  • What is the impact of xylazine (Tran) when mixed with fentanyl?

    -When xylazine is mixed with fentanyl, it increases the risk of dangerous suppression of vital functions, as both are central nervous system depressants. This combination can lead to more severe overdoses and fatalities.

  • What is the significance of drug testing in addressing the Tran issue?

    -Drug testing is crucial for identifying the presence of xylazine in street drugs. This knowledge helps outreach workers and users to be more aware of the risks and to respond more effectively to overdoses.

  • What is the role of Lacy Kresman in the community?

    -Lacy Kresman is an outreach worker who distributes supplies for safe drug use and provides support to individuals affected by the drug crisis. She also educates people about the dangers of xylazine and its impact on overdose responses.

  • How has the presence of xylazine in drugs affected the work of first responders and medical professionals?

    -The presence of xylazine complicates the treatment of overdoses, as traditional naloxone (Narcan) may not be effective if xylazine is present. This requires first responders and medical professionals to be aware of the potential for poly-substance overdoses and to adapt their treatment strategies accordingly.

  • What are the statistics on xylazine-related overdose deaths in Ontario?

    -Ontario's Chief coroner has reported that xylazine has been detected in more than 100 overdose deaths since 2020, indicating a significant and growing problem.

  • What is the importance of funding for initiatives that support drug users?

    -Funding is essential for providing resources such as drug testing, outreach services, and educational programs that can help mitigate the risks associated with drug use and reduce the harm caused by substances like Tran.

  • What message does Mel Bettis, who works with Savage Sisters, have for communities where Tran is starting to appear?

    -Mel Bettis encourages communities to educate themselves about Tran, learn as much as they can, and be mindful of the stigmatizing language they use. She emphasizes that addiction is not a choice and that understanding and support are crucial in addressing the issue.

Outlines
00:00
🚨 The Devastating Impact of Tran on Philadelphia's Kensington Neighborhood

The first paragraph introduces the destructive effects of a street drug known as Tran, a mix of fentanyl and xylazine, an animal tranquilizer. Ryan Green, a victim highlighted in the video, has suffered from severe infections and abscesses due to the drug use. The situation is so dire that a mobile clinic has been established to treat patients with severe wounds in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Nurse practitioner Michelle Murphy Rosansky describes the clinic's daily routine, which includes treating patients who have lost body parts and managing maggot-infested wounds. The paragraph also discusses the emergence of Tran in Canada, with a significant increase in its presence in street drugs, as reported by the Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction. The spread of Tran is exacerbating the overdose crisis, with Ontario being particularly hard hit.

05:01
🛑 The Urgency of Responding to Tran's Presence in Canada

The second paragraph delves into the detection of xylazine in overdose deaths in Ontario and the challenges faced by authorities and drug users. The police have found xylazine mixed with fentanyl in drug busts, and there is concern that the drug supply is becoming more dangerous and unpredictable. A drug checking service at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto is highlighted, where testing reveals the presence of xylazine in a significant number of fentanyl samples. The narrative emphasizes the importance of drug testing to understand the composition of street drugs and the need for funding to support these initiatives. Personal stories from individuals like Brandon Bailey, who struggles with drug use and the fear of unknown substances, underscore the human toll of the drug crisis. The paragraph concludes with a message of hope and a call to action for communities newly affected by Tran, emphasizing education and the importance of language in addressing stigma.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Infection
Infection refers to the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites in body tissues, which are typically harmful to the host. In the video, it is mentioned that infections are widespread and severe, with skin rotting wounds caused by the use of a particular street drug, illustrating the devastating health consequences of drug misuse.
💡Ryan Green
Ryan Green is a person mentioned in the script who has become a victim to the harmful effects of a street drug. His experience with the drug highlights the personal struggles and physical toll that drug addiction can have on an individual, which is central to the video's theme of the dangers of drug use and its impact on health.
💡Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. The video discusses how fentanyl has been cut with other substances, leading to severe health issues. It is a key element in the narrative as it is the primary drug causing widespread harm and addiction in the communities featured.
💡Xylazine
Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that has been found as a cutting agent in street drugs, particularly when mixed with fentanyl. It is causing severe skin wounds and increasing the risk of overdose. The script emphasizes the dangers of xylazine as it makes the drug supply more unpredictable and toxic, contributing to the complexity of the opioid crisis.
💡Mobile Clinic
A mobile clinic is a healthcare facility that is not stationary but can travel to different locations to provide medical services. In the context of the video, the mobile clinic is crucial as it offers treatment to patients with severe wounds in neighborhoods heavily affected by drug use. It symbolizes a proactive approach to addressing the health crisis in these communities.
💡Nurse Practitioner Michelle Murphy Rosansky
Nurse Practitioner Michelle Murphy Rosansky is a healthcare professional who treats patients at the mobile clinic. Her role is significant as she represents the frontline medical response to the health issues caused by drug misuse. Her daily interactions with patients underscore the personal and compassionate care needed in such challenging circumstances.
💡Overdose
An overdose occurs when a person consumes a harmful or lethal dose of a substance, in this case, drugs like fentanyl and xylazine. The video discusses the increased risk of overdose due to the unpredictable nature of street drugs. Overdose is a critical issue in the narrative as it directly links to the life-threatening consequences of drug use.
💡Outreach Workers
Outreach workers are individuals who engage with communities to provide support, education, and resources, particularly to those who may be marginalized or facing challenges such as drug addiction. In the video, outreach workers like Lacy Kresman play a vital role in distributing safe drug use supplies and responding to overdoses, highlighting the importance of community-based support in addressing the drug crisis.
💡Naloxone (Narcan)
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication used to block the effects of opioids, particularly in overdose situations. However, the video points out that naloxone may not be effective if xylazine is present in the drug, which adds an extra layer of danger to the already critical issue of opioid overdose.
💡Drug Testing
Drug testing involves analyzing substances to determine their composition, which is essential for understanding the risks associated with drug use. The video emphasizes the importance of drug testing in providing insights into the composition of street drugs and the presence of dangerous additives like xylazine. It is a key strategy in combating the unpredictable nature of the drug supply.
💡Stigma
Stigma refers to the negative stereotypes and prejudices associated with certain conditions or behaviors, such as drug addiction. The video script mentions the importance of addressing stigma through education and the use of non-judgmental language. Stigma is a significant barrier to seeking help and is thus a key concept in the broader discussion of supporting individuals affected by drug use.
Highlights

Ryan Green is a victim of a new street drug, which is causing severe infections and abscesses.

The drug is a mixture of Tran (xylazine), an animal tranquilizer, and fentanyl, leading to unconsciousness and robbery of the users.

The Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia is severely affected by this drug crisis, with many suffering from skin rotting wounds.

A mobile clinic run by the city and a local hospital is treating patients with severe infections from the drug.

Nurse practitioner Michelle Murphy Rosansky treats about 25 patients daily, many of whom have lost body parts due to the drug.

The Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction reports xylazine (Tran) as an increasingly common cutting agent in drugs.

Health Canada warns of a significant increase in xylazine cases, from 5 to over 1,300 in five years, with Ontario being the most affected.

Outreach workers in Windsor, Southern Ontario, report a more toxic drug supply with rising overdose deaths.

Lacy Kresman, an outreach worker, emphasizes the urgency of distributing safe drug use supplies due to the presence of xylazine.

Xylazine changes the response to overdose, making it look different and more dangerous.

Narcan (naloxone) may not work on overdoses involving xylazine, adding to the danger.

Ontario's Chief coroner reports over 100 overdose deaths involving xylazine since 2020.

Drug checking services in Toronto are identifying multiple substances in street drugs, including xylazine.

Xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that increases the risk of vital suppression when combined with fentanyl.

Drug supply is becoming stronger, more contaminated, and less predictable, posing a significant risk to users.

The personal toll of the drug crisis is highlighted by outreach workers who have lost friends to overdoses.

Educating communities about the dangers of xylazine and stigma reduction is crucial as it starts to appear in new areas.

Drug testing is paramount for supporting people who use substances and for staying ahead of the crisis.

Transcripts

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