How Do People Use Fentanyl?
- While it is possible for weed to be laced with opioids, it would be an inefficient delivery system for the drug despite this persistent myth.
- Illicit fentanyl, primarily manufactured in foreign clandestine labs and smuggled into the United States through Mexico, is being distributed across the country and sold on the illegal drug market.
- Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
- Corporate records seen by C4ADS and NPR show Chen also registered a string of export and pharmaceutical companies linked to his opioid-selling operation in Ningxia.
- It can be used to save the life of someone experiencing a fentanyl-related overdose.
Understanding Fentanyl
They say they have blocked search results for drug-related terms, redirecting Snapchatters to resources from experts about the dangers of fentanyl. People are still able to purchase these drugs online because drug dealers are creative in how they ‘outreach’ to users, including the use of emojis. In Philadelphia, fentanyl is often found in heroin and pressed pills (Xanax, oxys, percs) and could contaminate other drugs like cocaine, crack, and other stimulants.
These sounded like sophisticated operations, offering discounts on bulk purchases and even trying to upsell the investigators to carfentanil, an even more powerful opioid. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger than fentanyl, some weaker) are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will respond to naloxone if someone is overdosing. Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that has been used in clinical settings since 1968. This process is rarely instantaneous; respiratory depression can last over the course of minutes to several hours after the drug was used until a person stops breathing completely. This means there is usually time to intervene between when an overdose starts and the person’s death. I’ve had a few people who quit using stimulants after using testing strips because they could not get any drugs that didn’t have fentanyl; their drugs were always testing positive for fentanyl.
Fentanyl use can increase your risk of overdose, especially if you do not regularly use opioids. Anyone who uses drugs that may contain fentanyl, even occasionally, may be at risk of overdose. Xylazine use can lead to unresponsiveness, forgetfulness or memory loss, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and reduced breathing.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used for pain management. It is significantly stronger than morphine and is often prescribed for severe pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients or those undergoing major surgery.
What Makes Fentanyl So Dangerous?
While fentanyl can be a beneficial medication when used appropriately, it also comes with severe risks, including:
Most fentanyl test strips are between 96% to nearly 100% accurate in detecting the presence of even small amounts of fentanyl. There’s no clear way to tell by sight, taste or smell that something has fentanyl. By testing their drugs, people can know what they’re taking and take steps to be safer, like getting Narcan. As our county vice agents fight back against what’s being sold on the streets, fentanyl patch users can take extra safety measures as well. After a patch is used it may still contain residual levels of the drug. Fold the patch onto itself so it sticks, place it in a plastic bag and dispose of it away from kids and pets.
- High potential for addiction
- Risk of overdose
- Respiratory depression
- Risk of illicit formulations
With different parts of the world having a wide variety of trade and postal service regulations, fentanyl prices will increase and decrease based on each of these and the ability for suppliers to navigate them. As technology continues to advance, the illicit drug trade advances with it. Unlike in years past, the vast majority of wholesale drug transactions involving fentanyl are online. Utilizing “dark web” drug markets, drug dealers are able to purchase large quantities of fentanyl directly from international manufacturers and have it shipped directly to themselves. Because state and local officials don’t always have the funding and resources, federal partners, like HSI, are often brought in to provide operational support and subject matter expertise.
CSU Health Network provides resources to help students learn how to improve mental health, manage stress and minimize anxiety. These include online 24/7 tools, groups and workshops, multicultural counseling, one-on-one services and more. An overdose occurs when a drug produces serious adverse effects and life-threatening symptoms. When people overdose on fentanyl, their breathing can slow or stop. This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a condition called hypoxia.
Xylazine is increasingly added to other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl to enhance the effect or increase street value. Xylazine is dangerous because it can depress breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature to critical levels and, in combination with fentanyl, can make overdose reversal challenging. Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray is used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, potentially saving a life.
People with substance use problems are more likely to experience traumatic events than those without these problems. The original COAST funding supported dashboard visualizations showing various local data to provide trend information and insights on opioid abatement opportunities. This involved creating a dashboard receiving data securely from various agencies, including naloxone administration by all pre-hospital care providers as well as the VCBH rescue kits issued to county residents. These data are used to monitor trends and assist in enhancing outreach and targeting prevention services. Fentanyl test strips are an important tool to help prevent a drug overdose from illegally-made fentanyl, a potent and often deadly opioid. Fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if drugs have been mixed or cut with fentanyl.
Can I Buy Fentanyl Online?
The question of can I buy fentanyl online is increasingly common but raises serious ethical and legal concerns.
Legal Considerations
In many countries, purchasing fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal. Regulations around opioid medications are stringent, and buying controlled substances without proper authorization can result in legal consequences.
- Prescription Requirement: Fentanyl typically requires a doctor’s prescription.
- Legitimate Pharmacies: Only licensed pharmacies can dispense fentanyl in compliance with healthcare regulations.
Online Pharmacies: What To Look Out For
If you’re considering purchasing medications online, it’s essential to ensure safety. Here are some points to consider:
- Verify if the pharmacy is licensed.
- Look for signs of a qualified healthcare professional’s involvement.
- Avoid pharmacies that do not ask for a prescription.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
Purchasing fentanyl online can expose individuals to numerous risks, including:
- Illicit Drugs: Many online vendors sell counterfeit or contaminated versions of fentanyl.
- Overdose Risk: Incorrect dosages can lead to fatal overdoses.
- Legal Issues: Engaging in illegal purchases can lead to arrests and criminal charges.
Alternatives to Consider
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain management, consider these alternatives:
- Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatments.
- Explore non-opioid pain relief options.
- Consider holistic approaches, such as physical therapy or acupuncture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I safely buy fentanyl online with a prescription?
If you have a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, you may be able to buy fentanyl from accredited online pharmacies. Always verify the pharmacy’s credentials.
2. What should I do if I suspect someone is abusing fentanyl?
Encourage them to seek help from healthcare professionals and consider contacting treatment centers that specialize in substance abuse.
3. Are there alternative medications to fentanyl?
Yes, there are numerous non-opioid pain management medications and therapies available. Consult with a doctor to discuss suitable options.
