The full extent of xylazine use in humans is not known. From 2015 through 20

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that overdose deaths in Pennsylvania increased from 2% to 26% from 2015 to 2020. From 2019-2020, drug overdose death rates were highest in the 35 to 44 year old age group in Connecticut, 2019 – 2020. From 2019 to July 2020 in Connecticut, xylazine-associated deaths occurred primarily among males (80.9%) and non-Hispanic White persons (74%). Mortality was highest among persons aged 25–34 years (28.1%).

A study from 2022 found that Illicitly-manufactured fentanyl was present in 98.4% of overdose deaths where xylazine was also present. Other drugs detected with xylazine included cocaine (45.4%), benzodiazepines (28.4%), heroin (23.3%), alcohol (19.7%), as well as gabapentin, methadone, and prescription opioids.

In addition to its use as an adulterant in illicit drugs, the DEA reports it has been used in drug facilitated crimes to induce sleep.

It is not yet known if xylazine is produced illegally or diverted from the veterinary drug supply. The FDA is continuing to investigate the source and will report when more information is available.

20, based on forensic information from the DEA, xylazine was identified in over 3,800 reports. In 2020, there were 1,492 reports.