Original research
by
Martin, Emily M. et al
Release Date
2025
Geography
USA
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
No
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
The aim of this paper is to examine known and potential wound-associated agents’ (xylazine, levamisole, medetomidine) prevalence in Maryland's unregulated drug supply.
Findings/Key points
Xylazine was detected in 33.4 % of samples and primarily co-occurred with fentanyl; heroin and related compounds; and other opioids, stimulants, and anesthetics. Xylazine's prevalence decreased over time and varied geographically. Levamisole and medetomidine occurred in 1.9 % and 0.7 % of samples respectively with no significant co-occurrence.
Design/methods
Using data from Maryland's statewide drug checking program, Rapid Analysis of Drugs (RAD), this paper discusses samples that were voluntarily provided at participating syringe service programs and analyzed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology between October 2021 and October 2023 (N= 2,210). We calculated prevalence and chi-square significance to assess co-occurrence of wound-associated agents and other substances and evaluated xylazine's prevalence over time.
Keywords
Drug checking
Harm reduction
Illegal drugs
Overdose
Xylazine
