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Just as Ohio is beginning to see signs the tide is weakening in the substance abuse epidemic, a new danger rears its head.

Xylazine-related overdose deaths are on the rise. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that is becoming popular.

Speaking to WTOL about his observations in other cities, Matt Bell, CEO and founder of Team Recovery, said the drug is frightening.

“These folks in Philadelphia, their drug of choice is Xylazine,” Bell said. “… Their body is so accustomed to it that they need it to survive more than they need fentanyl or the opioid.”

But, like its predecessors, Xylazine is also deadly, and claiming more lives each year. According to the Ohio Department of Health, the number of overdose deaths in the state tied to Xylazine has increased each year since 2019. There were 15 deaths in 2019. Data analyzed through March of 2022 showed 113 deaths.

The influx of the drug opens a new front in a war organizations across the state are trying desperately to win.

“I’m scared for my kids,” Mahjida Berryman, injury prevention supervisor for the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, told WTOL. “I’m scared for our future generations. … If this gets out of control, it’s going to be tragic.”

Talk to your kids, talk to friends and family — if they need support, or help finding the right mental health and/or addiction resources, help them. While law enforcement does its job, lawmakers and other public officials must prioritize diversifying and expanding the economy, addressing challenges in accessible and affordable quality healthcare, education and housing, and making sure we are all in the 老司机直播 of hope.

If not, Bell’s and Berryman’s fears are justified.