Controversial Tool Emerges In Opioid Fight: Fentanyl Test Strips
Understanding Fentanyl: An Overview
Research by the Washington State Department of Health reveals that individuals using fentanyl test strips take steps to reduce their risk of overdose. Fentanyl test strips are dipped into drug residue dissolved in water. Within minutes, a person can know whether the drug contains fentanyl. A tiny amount – as little as two grains of salt – is enough to kill someone.
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management. However, it has gained notoriety due to its illegal use and the associated risks of overdose. Many individuals may ask, how can I buy fentanyl? It’s crucial to understand the implications and legality before considering this substance.
The Legal Aspect of Fentanyl
The amount of seized fentanyl in Oregon’s high intensity drug trafficking areas (HIDTA) increased from 690 dosage units (counterfeit pills) in 2018 to more than 2 million in 2022. Fentanyl has now surpassed methamphetamine as the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon. Oregon is experiencing an influx of fentanyl in the form of counterfeit pills. Many of these pills are made to look identical to prescription opioids and are falsely marketed to people in the community as legitimate. Most counterfeit pills resemble oxycodone 30mg pills (M30s), but they can also look like hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, and other medications. These are photos of counterfeit pills collected from a drug seizure in Oregon.
Elliptic has amassed a comprehensive dataset of crypto wallets used by fentanyl dealers to facilitate this deadly trade. Our blockchain analytics engine Nexus can be used to trace the on-chain activities of these dealers – including money laundering or dark web activity. Our research also shows that alongside darknet markets, some darknet vendors have set up smaller online stores selling fentanyl.
My hope is the test strips could become even more available so that someone could go to a drugstore, pharmacy, or convenience store and be able to purchase them. We want multiple touchpoints and multiple avenues for people to be able to empower themselves and stay safe. It’s a tough thing to study, but as best as we can tell, it’s most likely unintentional.
Fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if drugs have been mixed or cut with fentanyl. They can be used to sample street drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and illegally obtained prescription pills. The strips give those who use illegal drugs a way to determine if fentanyl is present in their drug supply and to help reduce the risk of an overdose.
Taking too many opioids at one time can cause a person to stop breathing and die. The Institute’s research shows a sharp rise in deaths from synthetic opioids, the most common of which is fentanyl and its analogues, eclipsing heroin deaths in 2020. There has been an increase of fentanyl found in stimulants, like cocaine, as well as pills purchased in street-based economies. Studies have shown that fentanyl test strips can increase awareness and lead to safety precautions to help prevent an overdose. This is the first study to report on the willingness of community pharmacists to engage in various FTS behaviors.
In many countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance. This means that:
- Only licensed medical professionals can prescribe fentanyl.
- Dispensing without a prescription is illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Possession of fentanyl without a prescription is also illegal.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
In a medical setting, fentanyl is used for:
- Severe pain management, particularly for cancer patients.
- Anesthesia during surgical procedures.
- Pain relief after major surgeries.
Risks Associated with Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl without medical supervision poses significant risks:
- Overdose: Due to its potency, even a small amount can lead to fatal outcomes.
- Dependency and Addiction: Opioids have a high potential for addiction.
- Legal Repercussions: Engaging in illegal activities to acquire fentanyl can result in criminal charges.
Safeguards and Alternatives
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, consider the following steps instead of asking how can I buy fentanyl:
- Consult a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and receive appropriate care.
- Explore alternative pain management strategies, such as physical therapy or over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Engage in healthy lifestyle changes to manage pain holistically.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it legal to buy fentanyl online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and highly dangerous.
- Arda is a Senior Crypto Threat Analyst at Elliptic with a focus on crypto-based terrorist financing, dark web vendors, NFTs and DeFi-related crime.
- In another instance, we have identified on-chain payments between vendor clusters and suppliers of pill presses and dies – equipment needed for manufacturing precursors.
- “China White” is likely to be α-Methylfentany – a powerful fentanyl analog – yet it can be hard to establish its composition as traffickers use a range of chemicals based on what they can source pre-production.
- We also routinely track dark web markets for additional risk factors, such as the trade in fentanyl and firearms.
2. What should I do if I suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl?
Call emergency services immediately and perform CPR if trained.
3. Can I find fentanyl in the street?
Illegally bought fentanyl on the street often comes in counterfeit pills and is highly unpredictable in dosage and quality.
Understanding the implications of asking how can I buy fentanyl is essential. Seek legal and safer alternatives for managing pain rather than turning to illicit sources.
