Drug overdose rates have fallen in recent years in Lubbock and surrounding communities. That’s certainly good news. But many of those still occurring happen because of what a person doesn’t know they’re ingesting.
Reports indicate that a drug called Xylazine has been readily found on Lubbock streets, and the risks of using this animal sedative can be highly dangerous. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction in the area, give our team at The Ranch at Dove Tree a call. Let us help you get on the right path to treatment.
What Is Xylazine?
Xylazine, often referred to as a tranq, is a type of non-opioid animal tranquilizer. In veterinary medicine, it’s used to sedate large animals, such as horses and cattle. It works to slow the central nervous system and operates as a muscle relaxant.
It is not approved for use in any form for human consumption. However, law enforcement continues to find it present in illicit drugs, including fentanyl, one of the most common drugs to cause overdoses in Texas. This drug operates as a protective coating on the opioid receptors in the brain. As a result, the receptors maintain a higher level of fentanyl longer, which lengthens the effectiveness of fentanyl. In some cases, this can last as long as eight hours.
Xylazine has numerous health risks on its own:
- It operates as a dangerous depressant, slowing down the heart rate, dropping blood pressure, and slowing breathing rates to too-slow levels
- It can cause severe, deep wounds and skin ulcers as it damages tissues.
- It is resistant to overdose treatment medications.
If you believe you have used a substance with this drug, reach out to a local hospital for care immediately or call 911.
What Local Lubbock Officers Are Seeing
News reports in the middle of 2025 indicate that Xylazine is very much present in the community and often sold to those with a substance use disorder (SUD) who purchase opioids illicitly. Many times, those purchasing substances locally do not know what they are actually receiving.
It’s not clear just how systemic Xylazine is in the overdose epidemic nationwide, but local officials have developed internal training programs to support first responders who may face difficult-to-treat overdoses.
It’s Not Simple to Reverse Xylazine
One of the biggest concerns for local police officers is treating these opioid overdoses effectively. Unlike most other opioids, the presence of Xylazine prohibits reversal drugs, such as Narcan, from working. Narcan has become a life-saving tool for local police officers and first responders. Narcan doesn’t penetrate into that “coating” over opioid receptors as well, and that means it becomes impossible for first responders to help.
First responders can still use products like Narcan to reverse the opioids that Xylazine is missed with, but it may not be effective in all cases.
What to Do If You’re Addicted to Opioids
It’s not as simple as saying you’ll stop. Those with an SUD face a life-threatening disease much like heart disease or cancer. You need professional treatment designed to address your unique needs. Most importantly, you need support.
At The Ranch at Dove Tree, we offer a comprehensive program to address opioid addiction and provide recovery paths. When you meet with our team, we’ll provide you with a full assessment, identify what the ideal treatment plan is for you, and provide you with the support you need. We provide:
- Medically monitored detox. One of the most important resources for those facing SUD is detox. In our program, you receive one-on-one support with direct access to medical support and withdrawal management.
- Traditional residential care. After completion of detox, most people transition into our residential treatment program. It provides incredible, scientific, evidence-based treatment, holistic support, and mental health treatment in a home-like, supportive environment.
- Long-term drug rehab. From living within our treatment center to ongoing support once you are ready to go home, we offer a treatment plan that addresses your needs. We remain available to you for check-ins and appointments to keep you moving forward in rebuilding your life.
If you or a loved one is facing opioid addiction, with or without Xylazine use, we recommend treatment. These substances can devastate your future, but treatment can help.
Turn to The Ranch at Dove Tree for the Help You Need
Contact The Ranch at Dove Tree for immediate help for any type of drug or alcohol addiction. Let our team provide an assessment and help you get treatment for opioid addiction.
