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Why the “Zombie Drug” Requires a Fundamentally Different Approach to Detox
The addiction crisis in the United States is rapidly mutating, and Georgia is currently on the front lines of its most alarming evolution. If you or someone you love is using illicit opioids, it is absolutely crucial to understand the emerging threat of Xylazine in Georgia, commonly known on the street as “Tranq” or the “Zombie Drug.” This powerful veterinary tranquilizer is being increasingly mixed into the illicit fentanyl and heroin supply to extend the duration of the high.
At Peachtree Detox in Fayetteville, GA, we are seeing the devastating effects of this adulterant firsthand. Xylazine is particularly dangerous because it is not an opioid, meaning standard overdose reversal medications like Naloxone (Narcan) do not work against its sedative effects. It also causes horrific physical complications and requires a highly specialized, extended medical detoxification protocol. Here is what you need to know about the prevalence of Xylazine in Georgia and the Atlanta area specifically, and how our medical team is responding to keep patients safe.
How Prevalent Is Xylazine in Georgia?
Recent data from the Georgia Substance Abuse Reporting System (GSARS) and local medical examiners underscore the severity of the situation. Xylazine-positive toxicology results in overdose deaths have increased dramatically across the state.
The DEA Intelligence Report for the Southeast region has identified xylazine as a critical emerging threat with particular concentration in major metropolitan areas and their surrounding suburbs, including:
- Atlanta
- Fayetteville and Henry County
- Savannah
- Augusta
Because Xylazine is cheap and easily acquired by drug cartels, it is rapidly saturating the fentanyl supply. Many users are completely unaware they are ingesting it until the unique, severe side effects begin to manifest.
The Unique Health Risks of Xylazine Exposure
The health consequences of xylazine exposure differ significantly from traditional opioid overdose risks, complicating both acute emergency response and long-term detox.
Respiratory Depression and Naloxone Resistance
As a powerful central nervous system depressant, xylazine causes severe sedation and respiratory depression. However, because it acts on alpha-2 adrenergic receptors rather than opioid receptors, Naloxone (Narcan) has zero effect on xylazine. If someone overdoses on a fentanyl/xylazine mixture, administering Narcan may reverse the fentanyl, but the person will remain dangerously sedated, breathless, and unresponsive from the xylazine. This requires emergency airway support and prolonged medical observation.
Severe Skin Ulceration and Necrosis
The most visually striking and physically devastating complication of xylazine is severe tissue necrosis (flesh rotting). Xylazine causes intense vasoconstriction—it clamps down the blood vessels, restricting oxygen flow to the skin and tissues. Users frequently develop large, painful ulcers and open wounds, often far away from the actual injection site. These wounds penetrate deeply into subcutaneous fat and muscle layers, leading to severe bacterial infections, sepsis, and in extreme cases, amputation. Seeking medical intervention immediately is vital if these wounds appear.
Why Xylazine Detox Requires Modified Protocols
At Peachtree Detox, we have adapted our clinical practices because standard opioid detox protocols are simply inadequate for individuals exposed to xylazine.
The Limitations of Standard MAT
Traditional Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone) to manage opioid withdrawal. While we absolutely use MAT to handle the fentanyl component of the addiction, buprenorphine does not touch the xylazine withdrawal. Xylazine withdrawal produces its own distinct, agonizing syndrome characterized by severe anxiety, extreme agitation, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and dangerously high blood pressure.
Our Specialized Medical Response
To safely manage xylazine withdrawal, our medical team employs specific supportive medications:
- Alpha-2 Agonists: We use medications like clonidine or dexmedetomidine, which act on the same brain receptors as xylazine, to safely step down the nervous system, controlling the extreme blood pressure spikes and agitation.
- Extended Timelines: Xylazine withdrawal lasts significantly longer than standard opioid withdrawal. While fentanyl detox may peak in a few days, xylazine withdrawal can persist for 10 to 14 days. We prepare our patients for this extended timeline and provide the luxury accommodations and supportive care needed to endure it.
- Wound Care Coordination: For patients presenting with xylazine-induced skin ulcers, our nursing staff provides vital wound care and coordinates with external specialists to prevent severe systemic infections during the detox stay.
Do Not Fight the Tranq Crisis Alone
The presence of Xylazine in the drug supply means the stakes have never been higher. Attempting to manage this complex, dual-chemical withdrawal at home is incredibly dangerous and highly likely to result in relapse or medical emergency.
Peachtree Detox provides the advanced, hospital-grade medical oversight necessary to safely separate your body from these lethal synthetic chemicals. Contact our admissions team today for a confidential assessment. We are here to help you survive this crisis and transition safely to inpatient rehab for a lasting recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Xylazine in Georgia
Should I still use Narcan if I suspect a Xylazine overdose?
Yes, absolutely. Xylazine is almost always mixed with fentanyl or another opioid. Administering Narcan will reverse the deadly opioid component of the overdose, which can save the person’s life, even if they remain sedated from the xylazine. Always call 911 immediately.
Why does Xylazine cause the skin to rot?
Xylazine restricts blood flow (vasoconstriction), which deprives the skin and tissue of necessary oxygen. This causes the tissue to die (necrose) and form severe, open ulcers that are highly prone to infection.
How do I know if the drugs I am using have Xylazine in them?
Because the illicit supply is unregulated, you cannot know without chemical testing. Xylazine test strips are becoming available, but the safest assumption in 2026 is that any illicit powder or counterfeit pill in the Atlanta area is contaminated with fentanyl and potentially xylazine.
Sources
- Friedman, J., et al. (2022). Xylazine spreads across the US: A growing component of the overdose crisis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10664799/. Accessed on February 25, 2026.
- Reyes, J. C., et al. (2022). Xylazine-induced skin ulcers in a person who injects drugs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Emerging Infectious Diseases.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Xylazine: What You Should Know. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/what-you-should-know-about-xylazine.html. Accessed on February 25, 2026.