Just as Ohio is beginning to see signs the tide is weakening (though not quite turning) in the substance abuse epidemic, a new danger rears its head.

Xylazine-related overdose deaths are on the rise.

Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer -- not for use by humans -- that is becoming popular.

Speaking to WTOL-TV about his observations in other cities, Matt Bell, the chief executive officer and founder of Team Recovery, said the drug is frightening.

"These folks in Philadelphia, their drug of choice is Xylazine," Bell said. "And in fact, if they know that someone has fentanyl, and this person has Xylazine, they want the Xylazine. Their body is so accustomed to it that they need it to survive more than they need fentanyl or the opioid."

But, like its predecessors, Xylazine is also deadly, and it's claiming more lives each year.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, the number of overdose deaths in the state tied to Xylazine has increased each year since 2019. There were 15 deaths in 2019. Data analyzed through March of 2022 showed 113 deaths.

The influx of the drug opens a new front in a war organizations across the state are trying desperately to win.

"I'm scared for my kids," Mahjida Berryman, injury prevention supervisor for the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, told WTOL. "I'm scared for our future generations. I really am because ... I don't think we've ever seen something like this before. I thought the opioid crisis was bad. If this gets out of control, it's going to be tragic."

If it is in places like Toledo, there is no doubt it will creep into all our communities.

As Berryman pointed out, "When you look at people who use drugs, they are typically looking for pain management, whether it's mental or physical."

Talk to your kids, talk to friends and family -- if they need support, or help finding the right mental health and / or addiction resources, help them. As the enemy evolves, we must be determined not to give up our fight; and that fight includes working at all levels to lift up one another.

While law enforcement does its job, lawmakers and other public officials must prioritize diversifying and expanding the economy, addressing our challenges in accessible and affordable quality health care, education and housing, and making sure we are all in the business of hope.

If we do not, Bell's and Berryman's fears are justified.