Idaho women's recovery center addresses the growing threat of xylazine as the dangerous, Narcan-resistant drug spreads into the state's illicit drug supply.
Heyburn, ID (PRUnderground) June 22nd, 2026
Renaissance Refuge, a women-only addiction recovery program in Idaho, is fighting back against xylazine addiction as illicit use of the highly dangerous veterinary sedative reaches concerning highs in the state.
Renaissance Refuge offers alcohol and drug addiction treatment customized to the unique needs of women. Its Idaho network operates in Heyburn, Boise, and Burley and includes inpatient and outpatient treatment centers as well as sober living homes. The Refuge’s growing xylazine addiction caseload aligns with the increasing number of Idaho xylazine seizures registered by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
Xylazine, known informally as “tranq,” is a veterinary sedative with no approved human use. It originated in Puerto Rico and spread to the Eastern United States, with Philadelphia as an epicenter of use. The drug slowly spread westward, gaining traction in most states, including Idaho. Xylazine is not an opioid, but it is frequently mixed with opioids like fentanyl for a heightened effect. The xylazine-fentanyl combination, known as “tranq dope,” has been described by the DEA as one of the most dangerous drug threats the country has confronted.
Renaissance offers a specialized, adjusted clinical approach to tranq dope addiction treatment for women.
“Xylazine is particularly scary because there is no FDA-approved medication like Narcan to reduce its effects,” said Candice Hilton, Renaissance Refuge Program Director. “Its toll on the body is devastating,” Hilton added that the Refuge is seeing an increase in clients with xylazine addiction each year.
One of the most serious and visible physical effects of xylazine use is the necrotic skin wounds it produces. Xylazine constricts blood vessels, impairs blood flow to surrounding tissue, and causes cellular damage at and around injection sites. This creates deep tissue injuries that are highly resistant to healing and can progress to require surgical care or even amputation.
Idaho State Police Forensic Services received 3,419 toxicology cases in fiscal year 2025, the highest total in the past 10 years for these substance-abuse-related cases. This represents a 12.25% increase from the prior year. Though xylazine use is still limited, Forensic Services reports that it is reflected in these cases at a steadily growing rate.
Many of the staff members at Renaissance Refuge, including Hilton, are in recovery themselves, giving them special empathy and a deep understanding of how to help clients overcome addiction. The Refuge specializes in dual diagnosis rehab for women, meaning it doesn’t just address the addiction itself but the mental health conditions that underlie it.
“It’s not like a woman is randomly reaching for tranq. She’s looking for something to dull the pain in her life triggered by depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, or perfectionism,” said Hilton.
The Refuge uses a number of therapeutic approaches to address all areas of addiction, including trauma-focused modalities, cognitive behavioral therapy, equine therapy, faith-based 12-step programming, family education and counseling, and life-skills instruction.
Renaissance Refuge is now accepting clients with addiction to xylazine or any other type of drug or alcohol. The program accepts Idaho Medicaid and works with most insurance plans. It offers a lifetime return policy with no out-of-pocket costs and lifetime access to its Sober Sisters alumni program. For more information, visit RenaissanceRefuge.com or call (855) 736-6285.
About Renaissance Refuge
Renaissance Refuge is a women’s treatment program within the Renaissance Ranch network, offering residential, outpatient, and sober living services that blend evidence-based and faith-centered care for lasting recovery. The program supports women in overcoming addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma in a safe, compassionate environment.
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Original Press Release.
