Understanding the Implications of Buying Fentanyl
Can I buy fentanyl? This question arises frequently due to the ongoing opioid crisis and the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in the illicit drug market.
What is Fentanyl?
This mixing is the reason why opioid overdose deaths remain high in Wisconsin. Help the people in your life understand the risks of opioid use by getting the facts for yourself. Participants primarily reported using crack cocaine or crack cocaine/heroin, while some used methamphetamine, powder cocaine, or prescription opioids. All were aware of fentanyl and believed they were susceptible to a fentanyl overdose as stimulant users.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, used medically to treat severe pain, typically in patients with chronic pain or after surgery. It is approximately 50-100 times stronger than morphine.
Signs Of An Overdose:
The death rate of synthetic opioids, which includes fentanyl, rose more than 72% from 2014 to 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Fentanyl is about 80 times more potent than morphine and bout 40 times stronger than heroin. The street version of the drug is being blamed on an increase in overdoses that in some cases, can take as many as six injections of Naloxone to save the person’s life. Sometimes it may take more doses, but studies show that a person experiencing an overdose involving fentanyl will usually ‘come to’ after 1 or 2 doses. Chest rigidity has been seen in some fentanyl-related overdoses and this causes the individual to stop breathing immediately. The presence of fentanyl in street drugs makes it more important than ever to recognize and treat a suspected overdose immediately.
Bleaching can reduce the likelihood of being exposed to HIV and hepatitis C. “It’s stronger than your willpower,” he said of the drug’s pull. Narcan, the most common form of Naloxone is absorbed through mucous membranes, which means it can be easily administered as a nasal spray and does not require active breathing to work. I probably would be skitzing [scared] thinking I was going to get in trouble.
Since the province declared a public health emergency nearly two years ago. More than 80 per cent of drugs sold as heroin on the streets of Vancouver don’t contain any heroin at all, while nearly all of them contain the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is made in a lab from precursor chemicals instead of from poppies.
Xylazine mixed with fentanyl or other opioids can increase the chances for fatal overdose because both drugs slow and stop breathing. The Health Department offers virtual trainings to individuals and organizations on the use of fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction tool as well as strategies for community engagement. If you are interested in learning about fentanyl and fentanyl test strips, or your organization is distributing fentanyl test strips in the community, register for an upcoming training below. Please note the Health Department does not supply fentanyl test strips to training attendees. You can’t see, smell or taste fentanyl when it’s mixed with other drugs.
We know that many in our community are asking about MPOX (monkeypox). As a trusted community messenger, The Center is here to help connect you to resources and information about MPOX. Click here for some helpful FAQs that we have compiled from local, state, and federal health agencies, as well as information on the County’s next vaccination event this week. We will update our website as well as The Center’s Facebook and Instagram to share the latest updates. In 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released a standing order, which allows anyone to visit a pharmacy and receive Naloxone without a prescription. The medication may not be available for same-day pickup, but it can often be ordered and available within a day or two.
Addiction is the most severe form of a substance use disorder (SUD). SUDs are characterized by compulsive drug seeking and drug use that can be difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. When someone is addicted to drugs, they continue to use them even though they cause health problems or issues at work, school, or home.
Learn more about drug test kits and how the AMA supports efforts to increase access to fentanyl test strips and other substance test kits for the purpose of harm reduction. Further studies should examine which fentanyl analogs are able to be detected in urine or drugs and to what degree of sensitivity. In general, our results suggest that rapid drug tests might be an acceptable intervention for young adults who use drugs for identifying adulterants in the drug illicit supply. Fentanyl is sometimes added to drugs to increase a person’s high and can be disguised as heroin, cocaine, meth, marijuana, and counterfeit (fake) prescription pills. As a result, many people believe that they are purchasing a certain drug and do not know that they are buying fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths.
Legal Status of Fentanyl
Due to its potency, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in many countries, including the United States. This classification impacts the legality of purchasing it.
- **Prescription Requirement**: In most circumstances, you cannot buy fentanyl without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- **Black Market**: Some individuals seek to acquire fentanyl through illegal means, such as purchasing it from online marketplaces or illicit drug dealers. This is extremely dangerous and illegal.
The Dangers of Misusing Fentanyl
Buying fentanyl without a prescription poses significant risks, including:
- Overdose Risk: Due to its potency, even a small amount can lead to respiratory failure and death.
- Addiction Potential: Fentanyl has a high potential for addiction and misuse.
- Contaminated Products: Illegally purchased fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose.
Alternatives to Buying Fentanyl
For those in need of pain management, consider discussing alternatives with a healthcare provider:
- Xylazine wounds can take a long time to heal and require prolonged medical care.
- Beginning in May 2017, we recruited participants from the 2015 RAPIDS study, 61% of whom previously agreed to be contacted for future research studies.
- As Sim explained, a single gram could kill thousands of people.
- The risk is especially high among persons who are not tolerant to the drugs effects (opioid-naïve) and may not be aware that the drugs they use contain fentanyl.
- It’s Not Your Fault (NACoA) (PDF
- **Other Opioids**: There are various prescription opioids that may be appropriate for some patients.
- **Non-Opioid Pain Medications**: Medications such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen might effectively manage pain.
- **Physical Therapy**: Engaging in physical therapy can help alleviate pain without pharmacological intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I legally buy fentanyl online?
No, it is illegal to purchase fentanyl online without a prescription.
2. What should I do if I am prescribed fentanyl?
Follow your healthcare provider’s directions carefully and use the medication only as directed.
3. What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Signs include slowed or stopped breathing, extreme drowsiness, and unresponsiveness. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency help immediately.
4. Are there safe ways to use fentanyl?
Using fentanyl should only occur under the guidance of a healthcare professional in a controlled environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question can I buy fentanyl underscores the importance of understanding the legal and health implications surrounding this potent drug. Seeking help and guidance from a healthcare provider is crucial for safe pain management.
