Opioid abuse, the escalating crisis, xylazine co-use, and the forensic toxicology challenges

Abstract

Introduction: The opioid crisis represents a longstanding public health emergency, significantly worsened by the concurrent use of xylazine. This epidemic has led to a surge in opioid-related fatalities, marking it as a pressing health crisis with global implications. The combination of xylazine with fentanyl and its analogs significantly increases the risk of overdose deaths. This study aims to analyze the current situation by reviewing scientific and governmental publications on the topic. Methods: Our analysis, established on data from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, highlights the pharmacological risks related to the combination of xylazine and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. It underlines the increased chances of fatal overdoses due to this combination. Results: The research associates weaknesses in current forensic toxicology screenings that fail to effectively detect these dangerous compounds. The illegal synthesis of these substances is a key challenge in directing the emergency. The combination of xylazine with synthetic opioids shows a significant public health risk, worsening the already critical opioid crisis. There is a critical need for improved drug detection and analysis methods to combat this growing challenge. Conclusion: Developing forensic toxicology screenings to precisely identify the presence of these substances is crucial for both the diagnosis and prevention of fatal overdoses. Our findings emphasize the requirement for immediate and concerted efforts to address the complexities of the opioid epidemic and highlight the potential consequences of public health strategies intended to mitigate this crisis.