Latest news with #Xylazine
CBC
22-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Yellowknife's wastewater is showing signs of 2 new 'potent' drugs, health official warns
The N.W.T.'s top health official says two new drugs have been detected in Yellowknife's wastewater — and both could be harmful. In a public health advisory Monday from Health and Social Services, Chief Public Health Officer Kami Kandola said an opioid called Isotonitazene and a sedative called Xylazine were both detected for the first time in the territory in May. It took this long to report because it takes at least six weeks to process samples, the department said. It said Isotonitazene is thought to be more potent than fentanyl, while Xylazine is used as a tranquilizer in veterinary medicine and is sometimes found mixed with fentanyl. Sampling showed that synthetic opioids similar to fentanyl were also present at detectable levels — the second time in the past year that that's happened. The department said neither Isotonitazene nor Xylazine can be detected with fentanyl test strips, and both "can cause harmful effects in humans based on potency." The effects of an Isotonitazene overdose can still be reversed with Naloxone. The health advisory stated neither of the drugs can be detected by sight, smell or taste either, and Xylazine can make an opioid overdose worse.
Hamilton Spectator
21-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
New fentanyl-related drugs discovered in Yellowknife wastewater
Health officials are advising that two fentanyl-related drugs have been discovered in Yellowknife wastewater for the first time. A notice from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer details the two new drugs which are often found cut with fentanyl. 'This is the first time these substances have been detected anywhere in the NWT. Both substances can cause harmful effects in humans based on potency,' said NWT Health and Social Services Authority communications manager Andrew Wind on July 21. 'Neither can be detected with a fentanyl test strip. One of the substances discovered is isotonitazene, an experimental opioid which was synthesized in the 1950s but never put into medical use as it was considered too unstable compared to other opioids. While they cannot be detected with a fentanyl test strip, an overdose can be countered with Naloxone. In April 2025, Fort Smith RCMP reported three deaths related to isotonitazene. The other substance, Xylazine, is a veterinary tranquilizer which is often cut with opioids. It is not an opioid itself, and an overdose cannot be countered with Naloxone, nor will it show up on a fentanyl test strip. Deaths by overdose due to fentanyl cut with Xylazine have been popping up since 2024. The drug is typically found to make fentanyl overdoses worse and limit the ability of Naloxone to counter the effects. Skin lesions have also been seen on parts of the body where the drug is injected. There are no visual cues fentanyl could be mixed with either substance, nor do they have any smell or taste. 'While Naloxone, an opioid-reversing agent, will not stop effects of Xylazine, it should still be used as it will reverse the effects when opioids are also consumed,' said Wind. 'It is important to know that Xylazine may cause sedation that will last even after Naloxone has restored normal breathing. Additional doses may not be required but emergency responders (9-1-1) should still be called to help. 'We cannot tell how these drugs are appearing on the street just from information gathered from wastewater. They are most commonly used as additives to alter illegal opioids, but users of all drugs are urged to take extra precaution,' Wind added. In light of this development, residents should be on the lookout for the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 or their local health centre if they suspect they are witnessing one. Signs include difficulty walking, talking or staying awake; dizziness and confusion; very small pupils; unresponsiveness (unable to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at); signs of hypoxia (bluish skin); slow, weak or no breathing; blue, purple or grey lips or nails; cold and clammy skin and choking, gurgling or snoring sounds. Officials are also reminding residents that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people involved in an overdose from being charged with possession of a controlled substance — this is to encourage users to come forward in an emergency to get the medical help needed to stay alive. Wastewater samples in Yellowknife have been monitored for illegal substances since July 2024. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
08-07-2025
'16 and Pregnant' alum Whitney Purvis arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter
Whitney Purvis, who was featured on MTV's 2009 documentary series "16 and Pregnant," was arrested Monday on a felony warrant for involuntary manslaughter. The 33-year-old was taken into custody and was also charged on two drug-related counts, use of communication device in commission of a felony involving controlled substances and manufacturing, delivering, distributing administering, selling, or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, according to court documents. She was denied bond. An arrest affidavit obtained by ABC News accuses Purvis of committing involuntary manslaughter in Floyd County, Georgia, on Feb. 16, 2025, by allegedly illegally distributing drugs to a victim who later died. The affidavit alleges Purvis "intentionally distributed a substance presented as 'Tranq,' commonly known as Xylazine and Fentanyl, to the victim, which directly contributed in the victim's death due to a toxic overdose." The victim's name is listed in the affidavit as John Mark Harris. ABC News reached out to Purvis for comment but did not immediately hear back. "16 and Pregnant" debuted on MTV in 2009 and featured several stories of struggles and perseverance related to teen pregnancy. Purvis appeared in an episode of the show, which followed her and her then-boyfriend Weston Lewis Gosa as they navigated life as expectant teen parents -- including their financial struggles, social isolation and schooling -- and attempted to move out of her grandmother's home. Purvis welcomed her son, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., in April 2009. Just over one month ago, on June 2, Purvis took to social media to share that Weston had died at the age of 16. "This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair. I just dont understand. Oh my baby is gone and I don't know what to do with myself. He was so perfect. This is really my worst nightmare come true. How do you go on in life after losing a child?" Purvis wrote at the time. "I'm in disbelief, this cannot be happening. I don't want it to be real. I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can't describe the pain I am feeling," she added. Purvis has since posted on social media several times since announcing her son's death, including sharing several photos of their time together.
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Express Tribune
'16 & Pregnant' Star Whitney Purvis arrested
Whitney Purvis, known for her appearance on MTV's 16 & Pregnant, has been arrested on charges of involuntary manslaughter following a fatal overdose. Authorities in Floyd County, Georgia, took Purvis into custody on July 7, 2025. She is accused of distributing a dangerous combination of drugs known as Tranq, a mix of Fentanyl and Xylazine, which led to the overdose death of John Mark Harris. Along with the involuntary manslaughter charge, Purvis is also facing charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to police, the drugs Purvis allegedly distributed were responsible for Harris' fatal overdose. This arrest comes shortly after the tragic death of Purvis' 16-year-old son, Weston Jr., who passed away in June from natural causes, though the exact cause of his death has not been confirmed. Purvis has previously been arrested on lesser charges, including allegations of shoplifting a pregnancy test, damaging electronics, and failing to pay child support. She has not yet commented on the latest charges through her representatives. In the wake of her son's death, Purvis shared her grief on social media, calling his passing her 'worst nightmare.' She also publicly spoke about a dispute regarding her son's funeral, claiming that she was blocked from attending by her ex-partner, Weston Gosa Sr., who allegedly excluded her from the event despite prior communications. Purvis first appeared on 16 & Pregnant in 2009, where she introduced audiences to her life as a young mother. Since then, she has faced numerous personal and legal struggles, including losing custody of both of her sons.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Missouri legislative panel hears recommendations for state substance abuse care
The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, as pictured September 26, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). Lawmakers heard suggestions Monday for addressing the behavioral health needs of Missourians struggling with substance abuse. Missouri's Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force is comprised of state senators and representatives, and the task force chose professor Rachel Winograd to represent its recommendations before the House Health and Mental Health Committee. Winograd researches addiction science and works to develop solutions to substance abuse at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Changes to the state's drug supply inspired the task force's recommendations. Winograd said even though opioid deaths are decreasing and deaths from stimulants have plateaued, new street drugs like Xylazine (a veterinary sedative commonly known as 'tranq') complicate efforts to combat substance abuse. 'Across my last two years of sitting with the substance abuse task force, I reviewed our recommendations, which were plentiful,' Winograd said. 'I did my best to cluster them in five key domains.' Winograd said funding for substance abuse prevention needs to increase or at least stay at its current level. Medicaid, she said, has been crucial in caring for people with addictions without tapping into state funds. Most state funding for substance abuse treatment comes from sales tax on cannabis and tobacco, as well as settlement funds received from tobacco companies that compensate for smoking-related medical costs. Rep. Becky Laubinger, R-Park Hills, pointed out how the state has some of the lowest tobacco sales taxes in the nation. The tax rate per one pack of cigarettes in Missouri is 17 cents. The task force found that the biggest gaps in funding are basic needs like recovery housing. 'I've been really humbled,' Winograd said, 'by how little it matters if you provide really effective evidence-based treatment service if no one can get there.' She described transportation as an issue of 'equifinality,' or how different experiences can lead to similar outcomes. In rural areas, she said, treatment centers might be too far away. In urban areas, public transportation and infrastructure might be subpar. Some current solutions to the issue are state-provided bus passes and funds for ride-booking services from care providers, but Winograd said she doubts these solutions are the most efficient way. Housing is another basic need that effects how those struggling with substances get the help they need. 'What good is fabulous, gold-standard care if then I go back to living on the streets,' Winograd said. 'The way we work as humans operating in society is that my first priority is going to be finding housing. Then I'll deal with my sobriety.' She recommended flexible strategies as a solution, such as outpatient treatment combined with sober living and recovery housing. Overdose response makes up a large part of crisis care for substance abuse. Winograd praised the state's push for behavioral health crisis centers, which she compared to urgent care facilities. However, she also recommended that those centers be required to provide medical treatment for people struggling with opioid addiction. Another task force proposal was ambulance transport to non-hospital settings, such as behavioral health centers. 'Especially after an opioid overdose or a stimulant overamping event, often the hospital is not necessarily the best place for somebody to go,' Winograd said. 'They don't get the right care, it's not what they want, it's not what they need. They kind of get spun and churned back out to the streets.' Behavioral health care centers can provide more comfortable or personalized care for such cases, she said. The task force also recommended helping people navigate recovery programs, legalizing needle exchanges and expanding drug-checking services. Overdoses are a 'huge killer' of people who have been formerly incarcerated, Winograd said. She recommended drug courts and diversion programs in communities to help in lowering incarceration rates. She also suggested increasing resources to treat people with addictions while they are incarcerated. The task force also recommended judicial treatment courts, which offer care as an alternative to incarceration. Winograd said the task force wants to make sure use of life-saving tools isn't discouraged. 'There's a real culture in specific drug courts of success and motivation,' Winograd said. 'I'm looking forward to learning more about drug courts and also making sure they are as evidence-based and effective as possible, specifically ensuring that they not only allow, but encourage and support people to stay on medications for addiction treatment.' Other legal recommendations from the task force include evidence-based treatment for the incarcerated, expanding naloxone distribution and increased funding for public defenders. The task force found that community support and infrastructure is crucial for youth prevention of substance abuse. 'All of these things are really about letting a child have a childhood and not be running in the streets unattended and getting into dangerous stuff,' Winograd said. The task force supported funding for youth mentoring and community service liaisons, school-based supports and youth crisis centers. After hearing testimony in the task force, Winograd agreed that current prevention programming is not very effective, and can even be harmful. 'There is a difference between any school assembly talking about 'don't do drugs' and efforts that actually work,' she said. Winograd said targeted messaging to an age-appropriate audience can help adolescents understand what is going on inside their mind so drugs don't seem like the easiest option. This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be reprinted in print or online.
