New Jersey offers rehabilitation and recovery path for addicts as Tranq takes hold across the state

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TRENTON, NJ – As New Jersey faces a growing addiction crisis linked to the use of a powerful animal tranquilizer known as “tranq,” health officials and addiction specialists are highlighting the increasing availability of treatment options across the state. Tranq, the street name for xylazine, is increasingly found mixed with opioids such as fentanyl, leading to increased health risks and complications in overdose cases.

Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative used primarily by veterinarians, has raised alarms for its effects, including extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and necrotic skin ulcers. Because xylazine is not an opioid, it does not interact with naloxone, the overdose reversal drug that has been a cornerstone of opioid overdose prevention.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an alert, noting that “xylazine has been identified as a contaminant in illicit drugs, and xylazine-related overdoses cannot be reversed by naloxone, making it more difficult to do so in emergency situations.” to tackle.”

New Jersey officials are emphasizing the availability of recovery services to combat the growing crisis. The state’s Department of Human Services operates the ReachNJ hotline, a 24/7 resource that provides confidential assistance and referrals to treatment facilities and crisis support. According to Governor Phil Murphy, “Our goal is to ensure that anyone who needs help can get it, no matter what substance they are struggling with.”

In an effort to combat the evolving threat of substances like xylazine, New Jersey has expanded funding for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs and expanded reach through harm reduction initiatives. Harm reduction centers, including Newark’s syringe exchange, have reported an increase in xylazine-related cases. “We are seeing more severe wounds and a need for different medical approaches when it comes to xylazine,” said Caitlin O’Neill, program director of the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition, in an interview with NJ Spotlight News.

The presence of xylazine reflects broader changes in drug supply, complicating the state’s response to addiction. Dr. Shereef Elnahal, a former New Jersey health commissioner and current deputy secretary of health at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, previously told reporters that the proliferation of xylazine “adds a new and dangerous dimension to the overdose crisis.” He noted that awareness and adaptation are key to ongoing response efforts.

For those seeking help, the state’s extensive resources include outpatient treatment, detox programs and support for family members. “The more we get out about treatment options, the better we can serve people in crisis,” said Valerie Mielke, deputy commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

With narcotic overdoses on the rise, state leaders and health organizations are urging individuals to be vigilant and take advantage of available recovery programs. “We must be proactive, understand shifts in drug use trends and respond with flexible treatment options,” Governor Murphy said at a recent press conference.

The rise of xylazine brings new challenges, but state officials emphasize that New Jersey’s recovery and rehabilitation infrastructure is evolving to meet the needs of people struggling with addiction.

Visit Reachnj.gov for more options.