Drug alert: Xylazine and Bromazolam being detected in the UK’s illegal drug market

Our warning of the increased risk of deaths by overdose comes after a person from Kent died from a suspected overdose linked to Nitazenes and Xylazine.  

Xylazine is a tranquilizer, pain reliever, and central nervous system depressant that is FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine. It is often mixed in with illicitly manufactured opioids (although not an Opioid itself), but there is increased reporting of Xylazine being found in Cocaine, THC Vapes and Benzodiazepines. 

Xylazine can be life threatening, especially when combined with other substances such as Opiates, Cocaine, Alcohol, Benzodiazepines and THC Vapes.  

It is important to note that many people who use substances are unaware of the presence of Xylazine and therefore the increased risk of overdose. 

Nitazenes are laboratory produced drugs which are relatively easy to produce, easier to transport and to mix with other drugs without the consumer knowing what they are taking.   

In the UK, nitazenes have been detected in substances sold as heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and cannabis products. And it’s alarming to see that it is now coming in liquid form and put into vapes which is hugely concerning especially for the younger generation.  

Like other opioids, nitazenes can cause fatal respiratory depression, and can be a hundred times more potent than heroin. Because of the increase in strength even a small amount can be fatal if this is mixed with other substances it can increase the risk dramatically.   

Mike Trace, CEO of The Forward Trust said;   

“We are seeing the drug market in the UK shift in a worrying direction, driven by the profit motive of traffickers, so police and border authorities need to react quickly. 

“But we also know that there are public health measures that can help reduce overdose death risks – accessible and accurate safety advice, harm reduction services, and offering people living with addiction a practical way out. 

“We need:

• A national public health campaign to alert drug users (and wider public) on the rise of synthetic opiates in UK drug supply. 
• Accessible and simple ways to check drugs for synthetic opiates, through drug checking services in healthcare settings, in the nighttime economy and core community settings. 
• Accelerated data collection, and rapid testing/screening across the UK on any suspected overdose that results in naloxone treatment, or any suspected overdose death – triggering urgent public health response in local areas. 
• Continued and increased access to drug treatment and recovery support services – demonstrating to people in a cycle of addiction that another way is possible. 

“Addiction needs to be treated as the serious mental health condition that it is. We must challenge the stigma and get better access to support so that recovery can be possible for everyone. 

“Perceptions of addiction need to change. We need to build compassion and understanding around addiction and support people to ask for help without judgement, discrimination or stigma. “

Support:   

Currently there is no coordinated UK wide drug testing service, but the WEDINOS project tests substances to give individual users and others rapid and accurate information to reduce harms. www.wedinos.org/  

The Loop is providing the drug checking service in Bristol and at selected festivals and events https://wearetheloop.org/about-drug-checking  

Addiction can happen to anyone at any point in life. It is nothing to be ashamed of and getting help – whether it’s for you or a loved one – can save and transform your life.  

Find out where you can get support www.forwardtrust.org.uk/support-type/drug-alcohol-support/