Dealers often add fentanyl to illegal drugs (like cocaine and heroin) and to counterfeit pills being passed off as authentic prescription medications like Xanax and OxyContin. Fentanyl is relatively cheap to manufacture, and a small amount goes a long way. In 2010, only .6% of overdose deaths involved fentanyl combined with stimulants, according to the analysis, published Thursday in the journal Addiction. That year, fentanyl was most commonly found mixed in with prescription opioids and benzodiazepines. If medically prescribed, parents are advised to be careful when administering fentanyl to their children, and they are equipped with training to spot signs and symptoms of opioid overdose. They are also provided an antidote prescription to counter the effects of an opioid overdose if needed.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Market
Taking too many opioids at one time can cause a person to stop breathing and die. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl. Keeping it on hand could mean the difference between life and death — for you or someone else.
You can’t smell or taste fentanyl and fake pills made from fentanyl can look like real pills from a pharmacy. There’s no way to know if -or how much- fentanyl may be in them. Prescription opioids are not the only option for pain management. Other options, like acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, chiropractic care, yoga, massage therapy, meditation and relaxation, and physical therapy can also help you feel better with fewer risks and side effects.
Rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased over 22% from 2020 to 2021. The rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids in 2021 was nearly 22 times the rate in 2013. Nearly 71,000 drug overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids other than methadone in 2021. The latest provisional drug overdose death counts suggest overdose deaths accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It started with the overprescribing of prescription pain relievers. When these drugs became harder to get for nonmedical use, heroin use increased.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. It has legitimate medical uses, primarily for pain management, but it has also gained notoriety in the illicit drug market. This leads to the question: do people buy fentanyl? The following sections will explore the reasons behind this trend, the associated risks, and the ongoing battle against its misuse.
We are hearing about stories about the fact that when a child can actually — or a person has access to this, it will save their life; it literally is the difference between life or death. As fentanyl floods the illicit drug market, the price for a pill has dropped substantially in the past few years. Dealers will even offer tens of thousands of pills to local distributors without being paid, allowing payment after the pills are sold, said Sergeant Al Schultz, a Tacoma Police Department special investigations unit officer. Individuals should call 911 immediately after administering naloxone. Be aware that it may take more than one dose of naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose.
The Rise of Fentanyl in the Black Market
Over the last decade, the availability of fentanyl in illegal markets has skyrocketed. Factors contributing to its increased purchase include:
Fentanyl was the most common recently used drug, with 83% of participants testing positive for it (including 46% who tested positive for both fentanyl and heroin and 54% who tested positive for fentanyl without heroin). However, only 18% reported recently using fentanyl intentionally; most reported using heroin instead. Images from a previous case now closed were provided to FOX26 News by law enforcement showing how an online seller will use social media to post what drugs are available for purchase for that specific day including time of deliveries. For example, a Fentanyl-laced Percocet M-30 pill can cost the buyer between $20 to $30 a pill.
Some people may also vomit and choke to death because they are unconscious. Overdose deaths from fentanyl are on the rise, nearly doubling annually, even as OD rates for other drugs have decreased. Many such deaths are users who did not know they ingested fentanyl, and most die from asphyxiation due to the drug’s respiratory depressive effect. Fentanyl abuse statistics indicate it is the world’s deadliest opioid, causing almost half of all overdose deaths nationwide. People who intentionally used fentanyl were also more likely to be younger, white, use drugs more often, and test positive for stimulants, among other characteristics. Research shows that people who take drugs may use fentanyl unintentionally, thinking that they are instead using heroin or another drug.
- Potency: Being approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, even a small amount can produce significant effects.
- Cost: Fentanyl is relatively cheap to produce, making it an attractive option for traffickers.
- Availability: It is often mixed with other drugs, making it widely available to users who may not specifically seek it out.
MORE: Drug Dealer Convicted In Deaths Of 3 New Yorkers On Same Day
Why Do People Buy Fentanyl?
People buy fentanyl for various reasons, including:
- Medical Use: Some individuals may have legitimate prescriptions for fentanyl to manage chronic pain conditions.
- Recreational Use: Users seeking a powerful high may turn to fentanyl or fentanyl-laced substances.
- Dependence: Those already addicted to opioids may buy fentanyl to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
While some may purchase fentanyl for its medical benefits, the risks associated with its illicit use cannot be understated:
- Overdose: The margin for error is incredibly slim; even a small miscalculation in dosage can lead to overdose and death.
- Unregulated Sources: Illegally purchased fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, leading to unintended and dangerous effects.
- Dependence and Addiction: The high potency increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder.
FAQs About Fentanyl Purchases
1. Is fentanyl available for purchase without a prescription?
Yes, fentanyl is often available on the black market and can be purchased illicitly, though this poses severe legal and health risks.
- A dose as small as 1-2 grains (2mg) of salt can cause a fatal overdose.
- We have 14 beds for males and are hoping to expand this service in the next year to add beds for women as well.
- Black tar heroin tends to have an average purity of 28% and cannot be easily mixed with fentanyl.
- Carruthers encourages families to look for resources and provide support and encouragement to their loved ones.
2. Can fentanyl be used safely?
When used under medical supervision and prescribed by a healthcare professional, fentanyl can be safe. However, illicit use is highly dangerous.
3. What should someone do if they suspect fentanyl use in themselves or others?
It is crucial to seek help from a medical professional or addiction specialist to address substance use issues safely.
Conclusion
The question, do people buy fentanyl, highlights a significant public health crisis. Understanding the motivations behind buying fentanyl, the risks involved, and the broader context of opioid use is essential for addressing this issue. Public education, along with access to treatment and support services, plays a critical role in combating the dangers associated with fentanyl and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.
