Khaberni - A number of American cities, especially Chicago, are witnessing a worrying escalation in the spread of what is known as the "zombie drug", a dangerous mix of the animal anesthetic "xylazine" and the lethal opioid "fentanyl", which has transformed the city's streets and public transport into shocking scenes reminiscent of horror movies.
According to a report by "The Sun", during the morning peak hours, subway cars are no longer crowded with employees and students, but are filled with addicts in a state of unconsciousness or lack of awareness, sprawled across seats and carrying drug paraphernalia, a situation that daily raises concerns among residents.
Animal Drug... Without Treatment
This drug is known on the street as "Tranq" or "Zombie Dope", and primarily consists of "xylazine", used for animal anesthesia, which has not been medically approved for humans due to its severe danger, along with "fentanyl", which is about 50 times stronger than heroin.
The American Drug Enforcement Administration has warned that this mix makes the country's drug crisis more lethal, particularly since "xylazine" does not respond to "naloxone", a drug used to save over-dose victims.
According to field testimonies, the "zombie drug" is sold for no more than $5 per bag, making it accessible to the poorest segments, while dealers prefer it due to its low cost and high addiction rate.
In statements to the newspaper, users have confirmed that this drug has become the only available option in the city, being smoked, injected, or inhaled, in liquid or powder form.
Terrible Symptoms and Physical Deformities
This drug causes a state of deep anesthesia and unconsciousness, in addition to the appearance of ulcers and open wounds on the body that may lead to tissue necrosis and amputation of limbs in some cases.
Addiction treatment centers have revealed that medical teams have started to receive cases with festering wounds, not only at injection sites but also extending to any minor scratch on the body.
Meanwhile, a number of addicts have shared their painful experiences with this drug, confirming that it "destroys life" and leads to a slow death.
One of them said, "You feel as if you do not exist.. as if you are already dead", while another mentioned that he lost a friend due to an overdose at his home.
A former addict added that the smell of rotting flesh has become familiar inside gatherings of addicts, due to the open wounds, likening the scene to "zombies in horror movies".
Security and Community Threat
The crisis has not been limited to health aspects alone, but has also included a security threat, where residents reported that some addicts roam the subway cars carrying sharp tools or metal rods, creating a state of panic among passengers.
One woman said, "The subway has become one of the most dangerous places in the city.. We no longer feel safe going to work".
According to official data, "fentanyl" is involved in more than 90% of overdose deaths in Cook County, which includes Chicago, while deaths related to "xylazine" have increased by nearly 17% over the past two years, with the majority of these cases being accompanied by "fentanyl".
In the same context, officials from humanitarian organizations have confirmed that the number of youth involved in substance use is alarmingly increasing, and addiction is starting at an earlier age.
Therefore, the U.S. authorities, including the White House, have issued official warnings about the dangers of this drug, calling for an intensification of treatment and awareness programs, support for rehabilitation centers, and tighter control over smuggling networks.
