Pregnant women battling addiction in the US are facing a growing danger from xylazine, a potent animal tranquiliser increasingly found in street drugs. Often mixed with fentanyl, xylazine poses serious risks to mothers and their unborn children, with its addictive nature making it nearly impossible to quit without medical help. Mothers like Megan Norris, who battled xylazine addiction during her pregnancy, describe the withdrawal as unbearable, with terrifying implications for their health and their babies’ futures.

Public health experts are raising the alarm. Research from the Washington University in St. Louis found that, by mid-2023, all opioid-addicted maternity patients tested in a study had traces of xylazine in their systems. Alarming findings showed 73% of their newborns also tested positive. While the long-term effects on babies remain unknown, there are significant concerns about xylazine’s toxic impact on pregnancy, including reduced oxygen levels for foetuses.

Doctors are frustrated by the lack of research, forcing them to rely on trial and error when treating xylazine-exposed pregnancies. Legal and social barriers further complicate the fight for recovery. Many pregnant women face stigma, a lack of affordable healthcare, and even the threat of losing custody if they admit drug use. These challenges prevent countless women from accessing life-saving treatments like methadone or buprenorphine.

Despite the grim outlook, there’s hope. Megan Norris, now in recovery, recently gave birth to a healthy daughter after months of treatment. Her story highlights the critical need for more support and specialised care to help affected women and their children. Experts are calling for urgent research and action to address xylazine’s devastating impact, empower recovery, and protect future generations.

Xylazine is becoming a serious problem for pregnant women struggling with addiction. More support from the authorities and research are urgently needed to protect both mothers and their babies from the dangers of this drug.

Source: npr