Rising Concerns: The Emergence of XYL in the Lowcountry and Collaborative Efforts for Overdose Prevention

XYL has witnessed a surge in prevalence in the Lowcountry amid the 2020 pandemic, with a concerning trend emerging as it is increasingly detected in conjunction with other substances like FYL.

Nanci Shipman, the executive director for Wake Up Carolina, remarked on the escalating presence of XYL in the region, describing it as an animal tranquilizer that gained significant traction around June 2020. Originally utilized as a pain reliever and sedative for horses, XYL, commonly referred to as the zombie drug, poses severe risks to humans, including respiratory depression, reduced heart rate, and even tissue deterioration.

Shipman emphasized the adverse physical effects associated with XYL, underscoring the necessity for medical attention to address complications such as skin irritation and distortions. She emphasized the alarming nature of XYL, stressing that it is not intended for human use.

Organizations dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic, such as Wake Up Carolina, are collaborating with local law enforcement to implement overdose response and harm reduction initiatives. This proactive strategy has shown promising results in Mount Pleasant, where police reported a notable 40% decrease in overdoses from 2022 to 2023.

Captain Christopher Rosier of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department commended Carolina's proactive approach, highlighting the emphasis on education and collaborative efforts to proactively address the issue. The aim is not only to mitigate the occurrence of overdoses but also to prevent them altogether through widespread awareness and education campaigns.

Source: WCBD