Why Do People Buy Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain. However, it is also a highly addictive drug that has become a major contributor to the current opioid crisis. Despite its dangerous reputation, fentanyl continues to be bought and sold on the streets by individuals seeking its potent effects. But why do people buy fentanyl in the first place?

A few said that the regularity with which overdoses were occurring in New York City was like nothing they had ever experienced,” said McKnight. Always carry Narcan, a lifesaving medication that can stop an overdose while it’s happening. Narcan is available at all pharmacies in Delaware, without a prescription, or through distribution centers. When using drugs, start with a very small amount and go slow to test the strength. Delaware’s Good Samaritan Law offers criminal and civil protection for individuals acting in good faith to assist someone who has overdosed on drugs or alcohol.

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In its liquid form, illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be found in nasal sprays and eye drops, and it can be dropped onto paper or small candies. For heroin, and opioids in general, there were generally far more cases of the drug seized than there were of deaths involving the drug (until the Blake decision). While acknowledging the broader “synthetic opioids” definition, there were more deaths than cases involving fentanyl submitted by law enforcement agencies in the state until 2019. Click on the most prominent series (heroin) to better view this above.

The Appeal of Fentanyl

Colorado Laws Offer Protection In Cases Of Drug Overdose

And one of the big issues is whether law enforcement, policy awareness – some policy can halt it from spreading westward. Even so, we are still in a situation where only 13 – 1-3 – percent of people with substance use disorder who want to seek treatment are able to do so. Often people who are able to seek some treatment will run into obstacles with with insurance that stops covering it in a matter of weeks for what needs to be lifelong medical psychosocial support.

One of the main reasons people buy fentanyl is its strength. Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is often used to cut or lace other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency. This makes fentanyl appealing to individuals looking for a stronger high.

The Rapid Rise Of A Deadly Drug

Risks and Dangers

Despite its potency, fentanyl poses significant risks to those who consume it. The drug can easily lead to overdose, especially when consumed unknowingly or in combination with other substances. The high potency of fentanyl also increases the likelihood of developing a tolerance and dependence, leading to addiction.

Fentanyl Key Facts

Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have been on the rise in recent years, highlighting the dangers associated with the drug.

Accessibility and Availability

Another reason people buy fentanyl is its accessibility. The drug can be obtained through various illegal means, including online marketplaces on the dark web and through illicit drug dealers. The relatively low cost of fentanyl compared to prescription opioids also makes it an attractive option for individuals struggling with addiction.

Fentanyl was created in 1959 by Dr. Paul Janssen as an intravenous surgical analgesic. Because of its strength, the drug was rarely used except in hospital operating rooms or on large animals. In the height of the opioid epidemic, a kilogram of heroin could be purchased for approximately $6,000 and sold for appropriately $80,000. For the same purchase price, a kilogram of illegally imported fentanyl could be sold for approximately $1.6 million, then cut into heroin and other drugs to expand their volume. What you can’t see can kill you.A lethal dose of fentanyl is just 4 grains of sand.

• In this article, we will discuss the medical uses of fentanyl and its side effects.
• It’s important to note that because of the strength of fentanyl, multiple doses of NARCAN® may be necessary.
• This wanton disregard for human life is reflected in the fact the DEA has often tested counterfeit OxyContin pills containing up to 5 milligrams of fentanyl—or 2½ times a lethal dose.
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• We investigated three available technologies to provide people who use drugs with information that could save their lives.

“My prediction would be that smoking fentanyl will be the norm within a year” among those who use the drug on its own, said Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, a professor of family community medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Until recently, intentional use of fentanyl was mostly limited to the West Coast, but in the past few years, addiction specialists have seen an uptick in use of the drug across the country. Fentanyl is safe when it’s prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed. You can poison yourself if you change the medicine to get a stronger or faster effect. The most dangerous side effect of fentanyl is it can cause you to stop breathing, which can lead to death. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content.

Despite the risks and dangers associated with fentanyl, its popularity continues to grow among certain populations. It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential consequences of using fentanyl and seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with addiction.