Doctor’s Persistence Aids Man in Surviving Philadelphia’s Tranq Crisis

In recent years, the landscape of drug addiction has evolved dramatically, particularly with the emergence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer increasingly prevalent in the illicit drug trade. Joe Kunz, a carpenter from Woodbury Heights, encountered this potent substance during a difficult period in his life marked by longstanding heroin addiction. After multiple bouts with rehabilitation, Kunz found himself back on the streets in 2019, battling not only his addiction but also the alarming effects of xylazine.

Initially unaware of the identity of the substance he was consuming, Kunz described its debilitating potency. “I didn’t know what this was,” he recalled, noting that its effects would often leave him unconscious for hours. As time passed, xylazine became a near-constant presence in the bags of drugs circulating on the streets, with Kunz witnessing firsthand the terrifying physical consequences of its use.

The toll on his health was severe. Lesions appeared on his legs, and he suffered serious injuries that necessitated multiple amputations, including three fingers due to complications arising from injecting the drug. His climb down the path of addiction was not just marked by physical danger; he experienced a significant decline in his overall well-being. At one point, Kunz was living on the streets with an untreated wound on his foot that had reached the bone, weighing only 138 pounds on a frame that had once supported 260.

His experience in medical facilities often left him feeling dehumanized, grappling with the stigma surrounding addiction. However, one doctor, Joseph D’Orazio at Cooper University Hospital, broke this cycle of despair by providing consistent support and care. Throughout the summer of their interactions, Kunz found himself being assessed and encouraged to seek help repeatedly, as his health continued to decline.

Kunz’s journey took a pivotal turn when, in early August, he found himself determined to pursue recovery seriously. After a brief discharge from the hospital, he experienced a moment of clarity that prompted him to return, enter detox, and eventually obtain long-term rehabilitation. During his treatment, he faced challenges, particularly concerning the wounds left by xylazine, which are often treated as a liability by many facilities.

Today, after eight months of recovery and residing in a halfway house in Newark, Kunz’s physical wounds have healed, and he is re-establishing connections with family. As he seeks new employment opportunities, he has set his sights on becoming a peer recovery specialist, motivated by a desire to support others struggling with addiction.

Reflecting on his path, Kunz acknowledges the painful experiences of friends still caught in addiction’s grip, some suffering severe consequences such as amputations. Yet, he remains optimistic, believing in the potential for recovery and renewal, stating that as long as one has breath, there is always a chance for change.

This narrative highlights the critical intersection of substance use disorders and the evolving nature of drugs like xylazine, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare approaches that are empathetic and equipped to deal with the complexities of modern addiction.

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