Xylazine co-occurrence with illicit fentanyl is a growing threat in the Deep South: a retrospective study of decedent data
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
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.
Source: Harm Reduction Journal
Authors: William Bradford, Mary Figgatt, Karen S. Scott, Stacy Marshall, Ellen F. Eaton, Daniel W. Dye
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,290
OpenAlex ID: W4391955414