Zombie Streets: the Xylazine Drug Crisis and its Impact on Arizona's Public Safety

A new chemical threat is stalking the streets of Arizona: Xylazine, commonly referred to as the "Zombie Drug." Originally developed as a veterinary sedative, xylazine has found its way into the illicit drug market, often combined with fentanyl and other opioids. Its presence has rapidly increased in Arizona, contributing to a dangerous blend of public health emergencies, criminal activity, and social decay. Most prevalent among the homeless and street-dependent populations, xylazine is contributing to a more volatile, unsafe society.

This blog post outlines the origins of xylazine, its infiltration into Arizona's streets, its impact on vulnerable populations, signs of use, and critical guidance for public safety, medical personnel, and private security professionals.

XylaMed, or Xylazine, a sedative for horses

What is Xylazine?

Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant used in veterinary medicine for animals such as horses and cattle. It is not approved for human use. When used recreationally or mixed with opioids, it causes extreme sedation, respiratory depression, necrotic skin wounds, and in many cases, death. Because it is not an opioid, it does not respond to naloxone (Narcan), the primary overdose-reversal drug used by first responders.

Key facts:

• Not a controlled substance at the federal level (as of early 2025)

• Commonly found mixed with fentanyl or heroin

• Causes unconsciousness, slowed heart rate, and rotting skin ulcers

• Psychological dependency increases due to withdrawal suppression when combined with opioids

Xylazine in Arizona: A Growing Threat

Though initially reported in the Northeastern U.S., xylazine has quickly spread across the country. In Arizona, its presence has grown rapidly over the last two years.

Arizona-Specific Trends:

• According to Banner Health, xylazine is increasingly identified in autopsy reports and toxicology screens in overdose fatalities across the state.

• The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center has issued alerts to health professionals and law enforcement about xylazine-laced fentanyl.

• The DEA Phoenix Field Division launched a mobile drug testing lab in 2024, citing xylazine detection as a major priority.

• Emergency rooms in Maricopa and Pima counties report an uptick in patients with unexplained sedation and necrotic wounds— hallmarks of xylazine exposure.

These developments are placing an increased burden on EMS, hospitals, security teams, and law enforcement agencies across Arizona.

Homelessness and the Xylazine Drug Crisis: A Volatile Mix

Arizona's growing homeless population, especially in Phoenix and Tucson, has become a primary vector for xylazine use. The drug's sedative effects, affordability, and ability to prolong fentanyl highs make it highly attractive to individuals in extreme poverty or battling addiction.

Compounding risks:

• Limited access to medical care increases the likelihood of untreated infections and fatal overdoses.

• Users often remain unconscious or immobilized in public spaces for hours, creating risk of exposure, violence, and medical complications.

• Increased emergency calls from businesses, transit stations, and public parks due to incapacitated individuals.

Arizona's homeless is at the biggest risk for xylazine death, due to their limited access to medical care

Societal Consequences: Arizona at a Tipping Point

The presence of xylazine contributes to:

• Deterioration of public spaces: Sidewalks, parks, bus stops, and storefronts increasingly occupied by non-responsive individuals.

• Increase in public health emergencies: Wound infections, overdoses, and disease transmission.

• Strain on EMS and hospital systems: Xylazine complicates overdose treatment and wound management.

• Increased volatility in security encounters: Users under xylazine influence may appear non-threatening but become agitated or disoriented during interventions.

As urban areas of Arizona face these rising challenges, early intervention and education are essential to managing the threat.

Warning Signs of Xylazine Use

Recognizing individuals under the influence of xylazine is crucial for public safety, law enforcement, and healthcare workers.

Physical Signs

• Slowed or irregular breathing

• Drooping head, slurred speech

• Pale, clammy skIn or bluish lIps

• Large open wounds or ulcers, especially on arms and legs

• Minimal or delayed response to stimuli

Behavioral Signs

• Nodding off in place for extended periods

• Freezing mid-motion or slumping against objects

• Disorientation, inability to speak coherently

• Detached or vacant facial expressions

• Twitching, unstable walking, or sudden collapse

Here's what you should know about xylazine usage as a human.

How to Handle Xylazine Users: Safety Protocols

For Security Personnel:

• Do not attempt to forcibly awaken or restrain an unresponsive individual unless necessary for safety.

• Use PPE (gloves, masks) to avoid contact with bodily fluids or infected wounds.

• Call EMS immediately for any suspected xylazine overdose.

• Administer Narcan if opioid use is suspected--but understand it may not reverse xylazine effects.

• Maintain a calm, non-aggressive posture; xylazine users may regain partial consciousness in a contused, combative state.

For EMS and Law Enforcement:

• Provide respiratory and cardiovascular support oxygen and CPR may be necessary.

• Monitor for wound care needs; prepare for long-term hospitalization if necrosis is present.

• Engage local behavioral health teams for follow-up and addiction treatment referrals.

For Business Owners and Community Members:

• Report incapacitated individuals to 911 or local outreach services.

• Avoid direct contact; instead, notify trained professionals.

• Consider installing surveillance, lighting, and patrol protocols to discourage drug activity around properties.

Conclusion

Xylazine represents more than a drug trend it is a destabilizing force that threatens the safety, health, and dignity of Arizona's communities. Its effects are hauntingly visible: lifeless bodies slumped in public view, rotting wounds, and overdose deaths immune to Narcan.

For cities like Phoenix and Tucson, where the homeless crisis and opioid epidemic already strain resources, xylazine's arrival is a five-alarm fire. At Transcend Security Solutions, we are committed to proactive threat identification, training, and public-private collaboration to protect the communities we serve.

Addressing the Xylazine Drug crisis begins with awareness, training, and the courage to confront a threat hiding in plain sight.

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Xylazine White Paper.pdf

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References:

1. Banner Health. "Xylazine increasingly found in illicit drug supply in Arizona." https://www.bannerhealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/xylazine

2. CDC National Center for Health Statistics. "Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts." https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsr030.pdf

3. 12News Phoenix. "DEA Mobile Drug Testing Lab Launched in Arizona." https://www.12news.com

4. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). "Xylazine: Emerging Threats.

   https://nida.nih.gov

5. Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center. "Substance Alerts and Public

   Health Updates." https://azpoison.com