Approximately one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose, revealed a new survey on Friday (May 31).&nbsp;

<h2>Losing someone to drug overdose</h2>

More than 2,300 adults took part in the survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

It found that 32 per cent of respondents knew someone who had succumbed to a fatal drug overdose. Furthermore, for 18.9 per cent of these, that person "was a family member or close friend".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/heartbreaking-reality-over-321000-children-left-orphaned-due-to-americas-drug-epidemic-between-2011-2021-719636">Heartbreaking! Over 321,000 children lost a parent to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021</a>

The survey also highlighted the fact that individuals across the political spectrum had similar rates of knowing someone who had died from an overdose. It also found that those personally affected by such a loss were more likely to view addiction as an "extremely or very important policy issue." Researchers believe this indicates that those who have lost loved ones to overdoses might be able to unite to "facilitate greater policy change."

"The drug overdose crisis is a national tragedy," said Alene Kennedy-Hendricks, who led the analysis, in a news release. She emphasised that while many US adults are mourning overdose-related losses, they might not be as visible as groups affected by "less stigmatised health issues".&nbsp;

"Although large numbers of US adults are bereaved due to overdose, they may not be as visible as other groups who have lost loved ones to less stigmatised health issues."&nbsp;

Kennedy-Hendricks suggests that movements aiming to "build support for policy change to overcome the devastating toll of the overdose crisis should consider the role of this community."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a>

Furthermore, the economic burden of the opioid crisis is staggering, with associated costs exceeding $1 trillion annually in the United States, reported&nbsp;the survey.

<h2>US drug epidemic</h2>

In recent years, the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has witnessed over 100,000 drug overdose deaths annually. Since 1990, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses, with the majority of these deaths being opioid-related. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have been a major driver of this crisis, said the CDC.

This comes as another recent study revealed that drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of scores of parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan.

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, around 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent to the drug epidemic.&nbsp;

The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently reported that over 321,000 children in the United States have lost parents to overdoses in the past decade. This tragic situation underscores the far-reaching impact of the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

Approximately one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose, revealed a new survey on Friday (May 31). Losing someone to drug overdose More than 2,300 adults took part in the survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Approximately one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose, revealed a new survey on Friday (May 31). Losing someone to drug overdose More than 2,300 adults took part in the survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It found that 32 per cent of respondents knew someone who had succumbed to a fatal drug overdose. Furthermore, for 18.9 per cent of these, that person "was a family member or close friend". Also read | Heartbreaking! Over 321,000 children lost a parent to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021 The survey also highlighted the fact that individuals across the political spectrum had similar rates of knowing someone who had died from an overdose. It also found that those personally affected by such a loss were more likely to view addiction as an "extremely or very important policy issue." Researchers believe this indicates that those who have lost loved ones to overdoses might be able to unite to "facilitate greater policy change." "The drug overdose crisis is a national tragedy," said Alene Kennedy-Hendricks, who led the analysis, in a news release. She emphasised that while many US adults are mourning overdose-related losses, they might not be as visible as groups affected by "less stigmatised health issues". "Although large numbers of US adults are bereaved due to overdose, they may not be as visible as other groups who have lost loved ones to less stigmatised health issues." Kennedy-Hendricks suggests that movements aiming to "build support for policy change to overcome the devastating toll of the overdose crisis should consider the role of this community." Also read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 Furthermore, the economic burden of the opioid crisis is staggering, with associated costs exceeding $1 trillion annually in the United States, reported the survey. US drug epidemic In recent years, the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has witnessed over 100,000 drug overdose deaths annually. Since 1990, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses, with the majority of these deaths being opioid-related. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have been a major driver of this crisis, said the CDC. This comes as another recent study revealed that drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of scores of parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, around 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent to the drug epidemic. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently reported that over 321,000 children in the United States have lost parents to overdoses in the past decade. This tragic situation underscores the far-reaching impact of the crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

'National tragedy': Survey reveals 1 in 3 Americans affected by drug overdose deaths

Drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of numerous parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan, revealed a new study. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, over 321,000 children lost a parent to drug overdose in the United States.

<h2>First of its kind&nbsp;study on loss</h2>

The study is the first of its kind to shine a light on the number of children affected by the overdose crisis in America.&nbsp;

Between 2011 and 2021, 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/advances-in-artificial-intelligence-mean-deadbots-can-haunt-users-warn-ai-experts-heres-what-it-means-719542">Advances in artificial intelligence mean 'deadbots' can 'haunt' the living, warn experts. Here's what it means</a>

Despite these tragic numbers, no national study had previously estimated the number of children who lost a parent to drug overdose.&nbsp;

"This first-of-its-kind study allows us to better understand the tragic magnitude of the overdose crisis and the reverberations it has among children and families," said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, the leader of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

As per the study published in JAMA Psychiatry, the rate of children who experienced this momentous loss more than doubled between 2011 and 2021 — from 27 to 63 children per 100,000.

<h2>The communities affected</h2>

Of this, the highest numbers were of children with non-Hispanic white parents. However, communities of colour and tribal communities were also found to be disproportionately affected.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a>

According to a press release, American Indian/Alaska Native children have the highest rate of parent loss due to overdose (187/100,000) from 2011 to 2021, twice that of White and Black children (76.5/100,000 and 73/100,000 respectively).

"It is devastating to see that almost half of the people who died of a drug overdose had a child. No family should lose their loved one to an overdose, and each of these deaths represents a tragic loss that could have been prevented," said Nora Volkow, MD, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) director.&nbsp;

"These findings emphasise the need to better support parents in accessing prevention, treatment, and recovery services. In addition, any child who loses a parent to overdose must receive the care and support they need to navigate this painful and traumatic experience."

(With inputs from agencies)

Drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of numerous parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan, revealed a new study. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, over 321,000 children lost a parent to drug overdose in the United States.

Drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of numerous parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan, revealed a new study. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, over 321,000 children lost a parent to drug overdose in the United States. First of its kind study on loss The study is the first of its kind to shine a light on the number of children affected by the overdose crisis in America. Between 2011 and 2021, 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent. Also read | Advances in artificial intelligence mean 'deadbots' can 'haunt' the living, warn experts. Here's what it means Despite these tragic numbers, no national study had previously estimated the number of children who lost a parent to drug overdose. "This first-of-its-kind study allows us to better understand the tragic magnitude of the overdose crisis and the reverberations it has among children and families," said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, the leader of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). As per the study published in JAMA Psychiatry, the rate of children who experienced this momentous loss more than doubled between 2011 and 2021 — from 27 to 63 children per 100,000. The communities affected Of this, the highest numbers were of children with non-Hispanic white parents. However, communities of colour and tribal communities were also found to be disproportionately affected. Also read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 According to a press release, American Indian/Alaska Native children have the highest rate of parent loss due to overdose (187/100,000) from 2011 to 2021, twice that of White and Black children (76.5/100,000 and 73/100,000 respectively). "It is devastating to see that almost half of the people who died of a drug overdose had a child. No family should lose their loved one to an overdose, and each of these deaths represents a tragic loss that could have been prevented," said Nora Volkow, MD, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) director. "These findings emphasise the need to better support parents in accessing prevention, treatment, and recovery services. In addition, any child who loses a parent to overdose must receive the care and support they need to navigate this painful and traumatic experience." (With inputs from agencies)

Heartbreaking! Over 321,000 children lost a parent to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021

Eight young people were placed in medically induced comas after they had an overdose of suspected MDMA at a music festival in Melbourne, Australia over the weekend. The incident has increased calls for the legalisation of pill testing in the state.&nbsp;

Paramedics, who were present at the Hardmission electronic music festival organised at Flemington racecourse on Saturday (Jan 6), admitted nine festivalgoers to different hospitals across Melbourne.&nbsp;

Victorian Ambulance Union said that eight people were put in medical induced comas and breathing tubes were inserted in their throats.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-ban-on-nazi-salute-public-display-of-terror-group-symbols-kicks-into-effect-677745">Australia's ban on Nazi salute, public display of terror group symbols kicks into effect</a>

“These would have been some of the sickest patients our paramedics would deal with, short of going into cardiac arrest,” said Danny Hill, the Victorian Ambulance Union’s secretary, as reported by The Guardian.&nbsp;

“They were really, really sick. You had patients with high temperatures – some over 41 degrees and seizure activity. In order to be transported, [paramedics] have to do an intervention that is normally left for patients suffering a head injury or a stroke," he added.

<h2>Not normal for a high number of people to fall sick at event: Hill</h2>

Hill said that it was not normal for a high number of people to fall sick at an event. “I don’t think we’ve seen it for some years, if ever,” he added.&nbsp;

The temperature on Saturday (Jan 6) soared to 32ºC, however, Hill said that MDMA can also increase the blood pressure and body temperature of a person.&nbsp;

“They’re already in a dangerous situation and no doubt that was compounded by the environment,” he said, while speaking to The Guardian.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Australia: After the floods came the bushfires

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-after-the-floods-came-the-bushfires-671509/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The patients were admitted to the Sunshine, Royal Melbourne, Austin, Footscray and St Vincent’s hospitals. Royal Melbourne Hospital's spokesperson said that two patients were in critical condition.&nbsp;

Hill said that he hoped the event of Saturday would further push people to reconsider pill testing in Victoria.

“These drugs are not made in batches of seven or eight tablets. They’re made in batches of hundreds or thousands so there are many more of these deadly tablets out there. And there are many more of these raves throughout the summer season. It can only help to bring in pill-testing and try to intercept the drug use as close as you can to the person using the drug," Hill said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight young people were placed in medically induced comas after they had an overdose of suspected MDMA at a music festival in Melbourne, Australia over the weekend.

Eight young people were placed in medically induced comas after they had an overdose of suspected MDMA at a music festival in Melbourne, Australia over the weekend. The incident has increased calls for the legalisation of pill testing in the state. Paramedics, who were present at the Hardmission electronic music festival organised at Flemington racecourse on Saturday (Jan 6), admitted nine festivalgoers to different hospitals across Melbourne. Victorian Ambulance Union said that eight people were put in medical induced comas and breathing tubes were inserted in their throats. Also read: Australia's ban on Nazi salute, public display of terror group symbols kicks into effect “These would have been some of the sickest patients our paramedics would deal with, short of going into cardiac arrest,” said Danny Hill, the Victorian Ambulance Union’s secretary, as reported by The Guardian. “They were really, really sick. You had patients with high temperatures – some over 41 degrees and seizure activity. In order to be transported, [paramedics] have to do an intervention that is normally left for patients suffering a head injury or a stroke," he added. Not normal for a high number of people to fall sick at event: Hill Hill said that it was not normal for a high number of people to fall sick at an event. “I don’t think we’ve seen it for some years, if ever,” he added. The temperature on Saturday (Jan 6) soared to 32ºC, however, Hill said that MDMA can also increase the blood pressure and body temperature of a person. “They’re already in a dangerous situation and no doubt that was compounded by the environment,” he said, while speaking to The Guardian. Watch: Australia: After the floods came the bushfires The patients were admitted to the Sunshine, Royal Melbourne, Austin, Footscray and St Vincent’s hospitals. Royal Melbourne Hospital's spokesperson said that two patients were in critical condition. Hill said that he hoped the event of Saturday would further push people to reconsider pill testing in Victoria. “These drugs are not made in batches of seven or eight tablets. They’re made in batches of hundreds or thousands so there are many more of these deadly tablets out there. And there are many more of these raves throughout the summer season. It can only help to bring in pill-testing and try to intercept the drug use as close as you can to the person using the drug," Hill said. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Eight people placed in induced coma after suspected overdose of MDMA at music festival

A horrific new 'zombie' drug that has devastated cities throughout the United States has been discovered in the United Kingdom and has claimed the life of a British factory&nbsp;worker.

Karl Warburton, 43, died in May from the effects of xylazine coupled with other narcotics&nbsp;such as heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, reported Daily Mail.

The West Midlands man died of acute aspiration pneumonitis, a disease commonly caused by breathing pollutants.&nbsp;However, xylazine was recorded as a contributing factor in&nbsp;Warburton's death certificate.&nbsp;

The technically&nbsp;legal animal tranquilizer "tranq" is frequently used to cut cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl dependence. As it grows in popularity in the illegal drug market, contributing to an increasing number of overdose deaths, states in the United States are increasingly attempting to restrict access to it.

The substance enforcement administration and health authorities have issued cautions against using the substance. While the problem is most visible in Los Angeles, Canadian officials have also warned that tranq is making its way onto their&nbsp;streets.

Here's everything you need to know about tranq, including why it's referred to as a flesh-eating zombie medicine and how the United States is&nbsp;trying to regulate it.

<h2>What is Xylazine?</h2>

Xylazine is a veterinary medication that is licenced for use as a sedative in large&nbsp;animals. Rompun and Anased are two of its brand names. It is sometimes referred to as a "horse tranquilizer."

It needs a veterinarian licence to buy and use, but it is rapidly appearing in Canada's illicit drug supply, frequently without the user's awareness. Other medicines are cut with xylazine since it is an inexpensive filler that can improve opioid potency.

<h2>What effect does tranq have on people?</h2>

In humans, xylazine has sedative properties. It alleviates pain, lowers brain activity, and has the potential to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.

People who use xylazine may develop open sores anywhere on their body. These wounds can result in hospitalisation, necrosis (rotting tissue), and even amputation, which is why it is referred to as a zombie drug.

The drug's wounds look to be "eating away your flesh from the inside out," according to nurses who spoke to Stat News.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: What is the 'Zombie drug'?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-the-zombie-drug-565661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Overdoes are also more likely with drugs like fentanyl that have been cut with xylazine. According to Health Canada, xylazine can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, and hypotension in humans, which are comparable to opioid withdrawal symptoms.

“When combined with opioids like fentanyl, as is frequently the case, xylazine enhances the life-threatening effect of respiratory depression (slowing or stopping breathing) caused by opioids, increasing the risk of overdose and death,” according to&nbsp;Los Angeles public health officials, as reported by the National Post.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fentanyl-blend-with-xylazine-the-vet-medicine-causes-havoc-in-us-hot-drug-zones-551423">Fentanyl blend with xylazine, the vet medicine, causes havoc in US hot drug zones</a>

Unlike fentanyl, no medication or antidote is available to reverse xylazine overdose, like naloxone does for opioids. Experts still recommend that naxolone be administered in the event of a xylazine overdose if opioids are present.

“Tranq is basically zombifying people’s bodies,” 28-year-old Sam told Sky News. “Until nine months ago, I never had wounds. Now, there are holes in my legs and feet.”

The New York City Department of Health said that 2,668 individuals in New York died in 2021 as a result of xylazine overdoses, and experts worry that the medication might exacerbate the country's current drug pandemic.

<h2>How are US&nbsp;states responding?</h2>

Many states in the United States have implemented different measures to limit the spread of the substance.&nbsp;

Pennsylvania has added xylazine to its list of banned substances in an effort to strengthen drug restrictions and empower police to prosecute individuals who break them.

“We are giving greater tools to law enforcement and others to properly regulate, control and contain these drugs, make arrests and hopefully prosecutions,” Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference in Philadelphia.

Ohio's Republican governor signed an executive order banning xylazine through the state's Board of Pharmacy in March, while West Virginia's Republican governor signed legislation making it a restricted substance.

The designations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia enable veterinarians to continue using the medicine to sedate animals, but they impose stricter requirements on how the drug must be handled, recorded, and kept.

“Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Anne Milgram, DEA Administrator, who spoke to the National host.&nbsp;

“DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23 per cent of fentanyl powder and seven per cent of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine,” she added.&nbsp;

<h2>Does naloxone work on xylazine overdoses?&nbsp;</h2>

Xylazine does not react to naloxone, but that doesn't imply the opioid-reversing medicine can't be useful if a bystander witnesses an overdose, according to specialists, because xylazine is used in combination with opioids that will react to naloxone. While xylazine has been found in fatal overdoses, it is unknown how much the sedative had a role in the person's death because it is taken in combination with heavier opioids.&nbsp;

Claire Zagorski, a chemist, paramedic and translational scientist in Austin, Texas who spoke to CBS News said&nbsp;that administering naloxone to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose would not harm them, hence it is preferable for a bystander to do so if feasible.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

A horrific new 'zombie' drug that has devastated cities throughout the United States has been discovered in the United Kingdom and has claimed the life of a British factory worker.

A horrific new 'zombie' drug that has devastated cities throughout the United States has been discovered in the United Kingdom and has claimed the life of a British factory worker. Karl Warburton, 43, died in May from the effects of xylazine coupled with other narcotics such as heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, reported Daily Mail. The West Midlands man died of acute aspiration pneumonitis, a disease commonly caused by breathing pollutants. However, xylazine was recorded as a contributing factor in Warburton's death certificate. The technically legal animal tranquilizer "tranq" is frequently used to cut cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl dependence. As it grows in popularity in the illegal drug market, contributing to an increasing number of overdose deaths, states in the United States are increasingly attempting to restrict access to it. The substance enforcement administration and health authorities have issued cautions against using the substance. While the problem is most visible in Los Angeles, Canadian officials have also warned that tranq is making its way onto their streets. Here's everything you need to know about tranq, including why it's referred to as a flesh-eating zombie medicine and how the United States is trying to regulate it. What is Xylazine? Xylazine is a veterinary medication that is licenced for use as a sedative in large animals. Rompun and Anased are two of its brand names. It is sometimes referred to as a "horse tranquilizer." It needs a veterinarian licence to buy and use, but it is rapidly appearing in Canada's illicit drug supply, frequently without the user's awareness. Other medicines are cut with xylazine since it is an inexpensive filler that can improve opioid potency. What effect does tranq have on people? In humans, xylazine has sedative properties. It alleviates pain, lowers brain activity, and has the potential to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. People who use xylazine may develop open sores anywhere on their body. These wounds can result in hospitalisation, necrosis (rotting tissue), and even amputation, which is why it is referred to as a zombie drug. The drug's wounds look to be "eating away your flesh from the inside out," according to nurses who spoke to Stat News. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: What is the 'Zombie drug'? Overdoes are also more likely with drugs like fentanyl that have been cut with xylazine. According to Health Canada, xylazine can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, and hypotension in humans, which are comparable to opioid withdrawal symptoms. “When combined with opioids like fentanyl, as is frequently the case, xylazine enhances the life-threatening effect of respiratory depression (slowing or stopping breathing) caused by opioids, increasing the risk of overdose and death,” according to Los Angeles public health officials, as reported by the National Post. ALSO READ | Fentanyl blend with xylazine, the vet medicine, causes havoc in US hot drug zones Unlike fentanyl, no medication or antidote is available to reverse xylazine overdose, like naloxone does for opioids. Experts still recommend that naxolone be administered in the event of a xylazine overdose if opioids are present. “Tranq is basically zombifying people’s bodies,” 28-year-old Sam told Sky News. “Until nine months ago, I never had wounds. Now, there are holes in my legs and feet.” The New York City Department of Health said that 2,668 individuals in New York died in 2021 as a result of xylazine overdoses, and experts worry that the medication might exacerbate the country's current drug pandemic. How are US states responding? Many states in the United States have implemented different measures to limit the spread of the substance. Pennsylvania has added xylazine to its list of banned substances in an effort to strengthen drug restrictions and empower police to prosecute individuals who break them. “We are giving greater tools to law enforcement and others to properly regulate, control and contain these drugs, make arrests and hopefully prosecutions,” Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference in Philadelphia. Ohio's Republican governor signed an executive order banning xylazine through the state's Board of Pharmacy in March, while West Virginia's Republican governor signed legislation making it a restricted substance. The designations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia enable veterinarians to continue using the medicine to sedate animals, but they impose stricter requirements on how the drug must be handled, recorded, and kept. “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Anne Milgram, DEA Administrator, who spoke to the National host. “DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23 per cent of fentanyl powder and seven per cent of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine,” she added. Does naloxone work on xylazine overdoses? Xylazine does not react to naloxone, but that doesn't imply the opioid-reversing medicine can't be useful if a bystander witnesses an overdose, according to specialists, because xylazine is used in combination with opioids that will react to naloxone. While xylazine has been found in fatal overdoses, it is unknown how much the sedative had a role in the person's death because it is taken in combination with heavier opioids. Claire Zagorski, a chemist, paramedic and translational scientist in Austin, Texas who spoke to CBS News said that administering naloxone to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose would not harm them, hence it is preferable for a bystander to do so if feasible. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: What is Xylazine? Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ medicine fuelling overdose deaths across US

As the United States continues to struggle with an epidemic of drug overdose deaths, it might not be close to over. The country’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), on Tuesday, said that this year they seized enough fentanyl in 2022 to kill every American.&nbsp;

This comes after a study found drug overdoses among people aged 10 to 18 more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, earlier this year. Reports suggest that recently the American markets have been flooded with fentanyl.&nbsp;

What is fentanyl?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is also highly possible to get addicted to fentanyl. There are two types of fentanyl:&nbsp;

Pharmaceutical fentanyl

While both are considered synthetic opioids, this type of fentanyl was developed for pain management in patients with advanced-stage cancer and is typically administered by a patch or injection at hospitals. These are also prescribed by doctors to mitigate severe pain usually after surgery.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-drug-overdose-deaths-crosses-100000-mark-12000-pounds-of-fentanyl-seized-in-2021-430250">United States: Drug overdose deaths crosses 100,000-mark, 12,000 pounds of Fentanyl seized in 2021</a> 
 
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl&nbsp;&nbsp;

On the other hand, illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is found in the drug market in different forms including powder and liquid. As mentioned earlier, fentanyl is also diverted for abuse because of its powerful opioid properties and heroin-like effect. Furthermore, it is also usually mixed or added with other drugs, “because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous,” said the CDC.&nbsp;

It is mixed with other illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and sold as other prescription opioids which is extremely dangerous since many people are unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl, which can also be disguised as highly potent heroin which often results in overdose-related deaths.&nbsp;

Fentanyl in its liquid form can be found in the form of nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies, said the CDC.&nbsp;

Why is it used and how does it affect the body?

According to the DEA, fentanyl is used for, intense, short-term highs, temporary feelings of euphoria, slowed respiration and reduced blood pressure, nausea, fainting and seizures. It essentially affects the central nervous system and the brain to block pain signals to the rest of the body and also reduces anxiety and stress caused by the pain.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-walmart-proposes-to-pay-31-billion-legal-settlement-for-opioid-lawsuits-534525">US: Walmart proposes to pay $3.1 billion legal settlement for opioid lawsuits</a>

Fentanyl also produces bodily responses like&nbsp;euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression, said the DEA.&nbsp;

DEA’s seizure of millions of deadly doses of fentanyl this year

In a statement, on Tuesday (December 20) the US drug enforcement agency said that it had seized more than 379 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl which included more than 50.6 million fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills and more than 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2022.&nbsp;

“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat facing this country,” said the DEA, giving the example of just two milligrams of fentanyl being considered as a potentially deadly dose. “In the past year, the men and women of the DEA have relentlessly worked to seize over 379 million deadly doses of fentanyl from communities across the country,” said the US Administrator Anne Milgram.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drug-overdose-deaths-surged-to-record-93000-in-2020-398098">US drug overdose deaths surged to record 93,000 in 2020</a>

The illicit drug is primarily manufactured in secret factories in Mexico, and trafficked by the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels to the US made from chemicals sourced from China, said the DEA.&nbsp;The US federal agency’s “top operational priority is to defeat the two Mexican drug cartels…that are primarily responsible for the fentanyl that is killing Americans today.”&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In 2022, the DEA also seized more than double the number of fake prescription pills which were laced with fentanyl when compared to last year. This was in addition to the nearly 131,000 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 4,300 pounds of heroin, and over 444,000 pounds of cocaine, said the statement.&nbsp;

Last year, the agency also issued a Public Safety Alert after fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills were “readily found on social media”. These pills are made to look identical to real prescription medications like Xanax, Percocet and OxyContin.&nbsp;

Fentanyl and overdose

Earlier this month, a new study by the CDC said that drug overdoses among people aged 10 to 18 more than doubled in the US between 2019 and 2021. Additionally, the average monthly rate of overdose among adolescents also increased by 109 per cent. This health agency had largely attributed this to the illegally manufactured fentanyl which increased by 182 per cent in the same time duration.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fentanyl-overdose-major-concern-in-the-us-easy-availability-causes-alarm-498249">Fentanyl overdose major concern in the US, easy availability causes alarm</a> 
 
Even small doses of fentanyl can be deadly and it is also “the most common drug involved in overdose deaths”, said the CDC. It added, over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Furthermore, finding out if fentanyl is present in prescription drugs is “nearly impossible”, since it is not visible or has any distinct taste or smell.&nbsp;

However, there are test strips that one might use to check the presence of the illicit drug which typically show the result in five minutes but do not detect more potent fentanyl-like drugs, like carfentanil.&nbsp;

Echoing a similar warning as the DEA, the CDC in its report had said, “The proliferation of counterfeit pills is particularly concerning for adolescents given marketing aimed toward this population and the availability of such pills via social media.”&nbsp;

So far, many states have passed policies and Good Samaritan laws which protect those who overdose on opioids and the people who seek medical help for those individuals. While these laws differ from state to state, they also provide some protection against prosecution for possessing illegal drugs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/painkiller-epidemic-us-targets-chinese-firms-for-addiction-that-claimed-100000-lives-last-year-437262">'Painkiller epidemic': US targets Chinese firms for addiction that claimed 100,000 lives last year</a> 
 
Aside from the test strips, the CDC also recommends administering Narcan which consists of an active drug called naloxone, a life-saving medication which is a nasal spray used to treat an opioid overdose and is available in all 50 states and can be without a prescription in most states. However, it is not a substitute for medical treatment.&nbsp;

Potential “fentanyl vaccine” on the horizon?

Earlier this year, a research team led by the University of Houston, Texas, said that they have developed a vaccine which targets fentanyl and could block its ability to enter the brain and eliminate the “high” which is often achieved by using these drugs. The breakthrough could have major implications for the opioid epidemic in the country and also act as a “relapse prevention agent” for people who are trying to quit, said the researchers in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-police-seizes-countrys-largest-shipment-of-opioid-509199">Australian police seizes country's largest shipment of opioid</a>

The findings were first published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, in late October. Researchers also note that while Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is treatable, at least 80 per cent of people once dependent on the drug, relapse. “We believe these findings could have a significant impact on a very serious problem plaguing society for years – opioid misuse,” said the study’s lead author Colin Haile and a founding member of the UH Drug Discovery Institute. &nbsp;

He added, “Our vaccine is able to generate anti-fentanyl antibodies that bind to the consumed fentanyl and prevent it from entering the brain, allowing it to be eliminated out of the body via the kidneys. Thus, the individual will not feel the euphoric effects and can ‘get back on the wagon’ to sobriety.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-overdose-deaths-among-10-18yr-olds-more-than-doubled-between-2019-and-2021-says-study-543695">US: Overdose deaths among 10-18yr olds more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, says study</a>

So far, the vaccine has been tested on immunized rats and did not have any adverse effects while the team reportedly plans to begin human trials in the upcoming months. Additionally, since the “anti-fentanyl antibodies” are specific to fentanyl and its derivatives the vaccine does not react with other opioids like morphine, which means that a vaccinated person can still use opioids for pain relief, said the researchers.&nbsp;

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As the United States continues to struggle with an epidemic of drug overdose deaths, it might not be close to over. The country’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), on Tuesday, said that this year they seized enough fentanyl in 2022 to kill every American.

As the United States continues to struggle with an epidemic of drug overdose deaths, it might not be close to over. The country’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), on Tuesday, said that this year they seized enough fentanyl in 2022 to kill every American. This comes after a study found drug overdoses among people aged 10 to 18 more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, earlier this year. Reports suggest that recently the American markets have been flooded with fentanyl. What is fentanyl? According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is also highly possible to get addicted to fentanyl. There are two types of fentanyl: Pharmaceutical fentanyl While both are considered synthetic opioids, this type of fentanyl was developed for pain management in patients with advanced-stage cancer and is typically administered by a patch or injection at hospitals. These are also prescribed by doctors to mitigate severe pain usually after surgery. ALSO WATCH | United States: Drug overdose deaths crosses 100,000-mark, 12,000 pounds of Fentanyl seized in 2021 Illicitly manufactured fentanyl On the other hand, illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is found in the drug market in different forms including powder and liquid. As mentioned earlier, fentanyl is also diverted for abuse because of its powerful opioid properties and heroin-like effect. Furthermore, it is also usually mixed or added with other drugs, “because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous,” said the CDC. It is mixed with other illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and sold as other prescription opioids which is extremely dangerous since many people are unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl, which can also be disguised as highly potent heroin which often results in overdose-related deaths. Fentanyl in its liquid form can be found in the form of nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies, said the CDC. Why is it used and how does it affect the body? According to the DEA, fentanyl is used for, intense, short-term highs, temporary feelings of euphoria, slowed respiration and reduced blood pressure, nausea, fainting and seizures. It essentially affects the central nervous system and the brain to block pain signals to the rest of the body and also reduces anxiety and stress caused by the pain. ALSO READ | US: Walmart proposes to pay $3.1 billion legal settlement for opioid lawsuits Fentanyl also produces bodily responses like euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression, said the DEA. DEA’s seizure of millions of deadly doses of fentanyl this year In a statement, on Tuesday (December 20) the US drug enforcement agency said that it had seized more than 379 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl which included more than 50.6 million fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills and more than 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2022. “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat facing this country,” said the DEA, giving the example of just two milligrams of fentanyl being considered as a potentially deadly dose. “In the past year, the men and women of the DEA have relentlessly worked to seize over 379 million deadly doses of fentanyl from communities across the country,” said the US Administrator Anne Milgram. ALSO READ | US drug overdose deaths surged to record 93,000 in 2020 The illicit drug is primarily manufactured in secret factories in Mexico, and trafficked by the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels to the US made from chemicals sourced from China, said the DEA. The US federal agency’s “top operational priority is to defeat the two Mexican drug cartels…that are primarily responsible for the fentanyl that is killing Americans today.” In 2022, the DEA also seized more than double the number of fake prescription pills which were laced with fentanyl when compared to last year. This was in addition to the nearly 131,000 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 4,300 pounds of heroin, and over 444,000 pounds of cocaine, said the statement. Last year, the agency also issued a Public Safety Alert after fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills were “readily found on social media”. These pills are made to look identical to real prescription medications like Xanax, Percocet and OxyContin. Fentanyl and overdose Earlier this month, a new study by the CDC said that drug overdoses among people aged 10 to 18 more than doubled in the US between 2019 and 2021. Additionally, the average monthly rate of overdose among adolescents also increased by 109 per cent. This health agency had largely attributed this to the illegally manufactured fentanyl which increased by 182 per cent in the same time duration. ALSO WATCH | Fentanyl overdose major concern in the US, easy availability causes alarm Even small doses of fentanyl can be deadly and it is also “the most common drug involved in overdose deaths”, said the CDC. It added, over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Furthermore, finding out if fentanyl is present in prescription drugs is “nearly impossible”, since it is not visible or has any distinct taste or smell. However, there are test strips that one might use to check the presence of the illicit drug which typically show the result in five minutes but do not detect more potent fentanyl-like drugs, like carfentanil. Echoing a similar warning as the DEA, the CDC in its report had said, “The proliferation of counterfeit pills is particularly concerning for adolescents given marketing aimed toward this population and the availability of such pills via social media.” So far, many states have passed policies and Good Samaritan laws which protect those who overdose on opioids and the people who seek medical help for those individuals. While these laws differ from state to state, they also provide some protection against prosecution for possessing illegal drugs. ALSO READ | 'Painkiller epidemic': US targets Chinese firms for addiction that claimed 100,000 lives last year Aside from the test strips, the CDC also recommends administering Narcan which consists of an active drug called naloxone, a life-saving medication which is a nasal spray used to treat an opioid overdose and is available in all 50 states and can be without a prescription in most states. However, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Potential “fentanyl vaccine” on the horizon? Earlier this year, a research team led by the University of Houston, Texas, said that they have developed a vaccine which targets fentanyl and could block its ability to enter the brain and eliminate the “high” which is often achieved by using these drugs. The breakthrough could have major implications for the opioid epidemic in the country and also act as a “relapse prevention agent” for people who are trying to quit, said the researchers in a statement. ALSO READ | Australian police seizes country's largest shipment of opioid The findings were first published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, in late October. Researchers also note that while Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is treatable, at least 80 per cent of people once dependent on the drug, relapse. “We believe these findings could have a significant impact on a very serious problem plaguing society for years – opioid misuse,” said the study’s lead author Colin Haile and a founding member of the UH Drug Discovery Institute. He added, “Our vaccine is able to generate anti-fentanyl antibodies that bind to the consumed fentanyl and prevent it from entering the brain, allowing it to be eliminated out of the body via the kidneys. Thus, the individual will not feel the euphoric effects and can ‘get back on the wagon’ to sobriety.” ALSO READ | US: Overdose deaths among 10-18yr olds more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, says study So far, the vaccine has been tested on immunized rats and did not have any adverse effects while the team reportedly plans to begin human trials in the upcoming months. Additionally, since the “anti-fentanyl antibodies” are specific to fentanyl and its derivatives the vaccine does not react with other opioids like morphine, which means that a vaccinated person can still use opioids for pain relief, said the researchers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Fentanyl seized in 2022 enough to kill every American, says US federal drug agency

The drug crisis in the United States continues, more than 100,000 people have died from drug overdoses in the United States during the 12-month period. According to the data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 30% uptick in fatalities is from the previous year.

United States: Drug overdose deaths crosses 100,000-mark, 12,000 pounds of Fentanyl seized in 2021