Addicted Illinois with AJ Gersh | August 10, 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) –

Illegal manufacturers are mixing xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, with fentanyl and opioids, leading to potentially fatal consequences. Narcan and other life-saving measures are ineffective against xylazine, making it difficult to treat overdoses. Mercedes Kent, Program Director of Central Illinois Outpatient at Gateway Foundation explains the dangers of xylazine and the staggering 516% increase in overdose deaths related to xylazine use between 2020 and 2021. Gateway Foundation has added a marker to identify xylazine in an individual’s body and we offer specialized treatment programs for substance misuse.