Xylazine co-occurrence with illicit fentanyl is a growing threat in the Deep South: a retrospective study of decedent data.
Harm Reduct J
; 21(1): 46, 2024 02 20.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38378660
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Xylazine is a dangerous veterinary sedative found mainly in illicit fentanyl in the Northeast and Midwest. Its role in the Deep South overdose crisis is not well-characterized.METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective review of autopsy data in Jefferson County, Alabama to identify trends in xylazine prevalence among people who fatally overdosed from June 2019 through June 2023.RESULTS:
165 decedents met inclusion criteria. While the first identified xylazine-associated overdose was in June 2019, xylazine has become consistently prevalent since January 2021. All cases of xylazine-associated fatal overdoses were accompanied by fentanyl, and most (75.4%) involved poly-drug stimulant use. The average age was 42.2, and most decedents were white (58.8%) and male (68.5%). Overall, 18.2% of people were unhoused at the time of death.DISCUSSION:
Xylazine is prevalent in the Deep South. Efforts to promote harm reduction, publicly viewable drug supply trends, and legalization of drug checking and syringe service programs should be prioritized.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Drogas Ilícitas
/
Overdose de Drogas
Limite:
Adult
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Harm Reduct J
/
Harm reduct. j
/
Harm reduction journal
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article