In recent years, the surge of xylazine—a powerful veterinary tranquilizer—has become a growing concern in the battle against drug abuse. Since 2019, its presence in illicit drug use has been escalating at an alarming rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially recognized xylazine as a major public health threat, warning that its widespread use, often mixed with opioids, poses unique and deadly risks. Unfortunately, many drug users are unaware that they are consuming xylazine, which shares many similar effects with opioids, making it difficult to identify the cause of death in overdose cases.
Even more concerning is that common life-saving interventions like Narcan (naloxone), used to reverse opioid overdoses, are completely ineffective against xylazine. This gap in treatment has led to an increased risk for those unknowingly exposed to the drug. In response to this urgent issue, Vericare Laboratories is stepping up to help.
As one of the few labs offering xylazine oral-fluid and urine testing, Vericare is at the forefront of a critical movement in addiction recovery and overdose prevention. The lab has developed advanced testing technologies that allow for the detection of xylazine—something that has often been overlooked in overdose investigations due to limitations in traditional testing. Many overdoses are assumed to be opioid-related, but the role of xylazine in these incidents has often gone undetected. With Vericare's cutting-edge methods, it is now possible to identify this lethal substance in both clinical and forensic contexts.
Vericare Laboratories takes pride in staying ahead of the curve, continuously adapting to emerging trends in the fight against drug abuse. By maintaining some of the lowest cutoffs in the industry, the lab is able to offer more precise and reliable results, helping healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and addiction specialists make informed decisions. With xylazine testing available as part of their comprehensive menu of services, Vericare is empowering those who are battling addiction and aiding in efforts to save lives.
In a time when the landscape of drug abuse is constantly changing, Vericare Laboratories is committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date testing to help individuals and communities address the evolving crisis of xylazine. With the support of advanced technology and a dedication to public health, Vericare is making a crucial difference in identifying this silent killer and offering a path forward for those affected.