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Keeping it on hand could mean the difference between life and death — for you or someone else. Naloxone is available at many pharmacies in Texas without a prescription. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and in counterfeit pills. As a result, many people may not know they’re ingesting fentanyl, leading to an accidental poisoning. A person taking prescription fentanyl as instructed by a doctor can experience dependence, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. A person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted, but dependence can sometimes lead to addiction.
The Reality of Fentanyl Usage
And higher prices do reduce consumption, even of addictive drugs. To the extent that the data has been done, it’s been done by it’s by done by nongovernment entities mostly and has found significant use and major threat in certainly northern Mexico, where these studies have been conducted. So in places like Tijuana or Ciudad Juárez, fentanyl is deeply spreading and spread already across local drug markets. And certainly what we see with drug groups historically and (inaudible) today is that they often pay their local dealers, they often pay their allies, their partners in kind. They find it much more convenient to pay in drugs rather than to pay in cash.
Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling.
The program not only educates parents and students but also school officials including administrators and teachers. FOX26 News confirmed with Fresno Unified School District beginning this year all middle and high schools will carry Narcan. The reversing agent is administered through a nasal spray reversing the effect of an opioid overdose, in particular, fentanyl.
Unless the tablets came from a pharmacy, it is now reasonable to assume any opioid obtained from illegal sales has the potential to be laced with fentanyl, says Dr. Peterson. Fentanyl is a short-acting drug, meaning that many will feel a “high” of increased mood quickly, but it will also wear off quickly. Maintaining that “high” will require additional uses, making it highly addictive.
Do people buy fentanyl for various reasons, and understanding these motivations is essential in addressing the opioid crisis. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is often associated with both medical usage and illicit drug trade.
Now fentanyl production is distributed, with no single critical lab. Data are not available because data collection is still in progress for this study. This same participant said he had tried fentanyl intentionally one time and strongly disliked the experience. In his words, “It was like being dead.” He reported being “out of it” for hours and he said he was grateful that he had been with friends he trusted to protect him. To combat it, Besser says people should educate themselves on the signs, like emoji sellers and buyer usage. He also said it’s important for parents to communicate with their children.
- Even if you’re unsure if someone is having an overdose and you have naloxone, give it to them right away.
- So last year some 70,000 Americans died as a result of fentanyl; 110,000 Americans – that is in 2022 – 110,000 Americans overall.
- Fentanyl is safe when it’s prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed.
- Fentanyl isn’t the only drug mixture that has the federal Drug Enforcement Administration concerned as the growing threat of xylazine is starting to make its way into Texas.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
The role of methamphetamine in the illegal drug market has been pushed aside in headlines as images of drug use in the South turned from exploding meth labs to potentially deadly fentanyl pills. But drug experts say meth has made an unwanted comeback as meth manufacturers have begun making a stronger product. The toxicology results revealed widespread use of fentanyl among people who inject drugs in New York City. 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).
Fentanyl is legally prescribed in a medical setting, primarily for:
- Chronic pain management in patients who have developed a tolerance to other opioids.
- Post-operative care to manage pain after surgeries.
- Palliative care for patients with terminal illnesses to enhance quality of life.
Illicit Purchase and Usage
The first known xylazine-involved overdose death in Minnesota was in 2019. Since then, the number of xylazine-involved deaths has increased year over year. In 2019, there were four overdose deaths involving xylazine, in 2020 there were eight deaths, and in 2021 there were 24 deaths. So far, in 2022, there have been 34 xylazine-involved deaths in Minnesota. This number may increase as more death reports from 2022 are finalized.
Despite its legitimate medical uses, do people buy fentanyl on the streets? The answer is unfortunately yes. The reasons include:
- It is often mixed with other drugs, increasing potency and making it appealing to users seeking a more intense high.
- Lower cost compared to other opioids, making it accessible to those struggling with addiction.
- Deceptive marketing by illegal dealers, who might sell fentanyl analogs as less potent substances.
The Dangers Involved
Purchasing fentanyl from illicit sources carries significant risks:
- High potential for overdose due to its potency—50 times stronger than heroin.
- Contamination with other lethal substances, increasing the chance of accidental fatalities.
- Legal repercussions for possession of illegal substances.
FAQs About Fentanyl
1. What are the symptoms of fentanyl overdose?
Symptoms may include:
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
- Cold, clammy skin
2. How can an overdose be treated?
Overdose may be treated with:
- Naloxone (Narcan), an opioid antagonist that can reverse overdose effects.
- Emergency medical intervention, which may include intubation and supportive care.
3. What are the signs of addiction to fentanyl?
Signs may include:
- Increased tolerance requiring higher doses
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Neglecting responsibilities due to drug use
Conclusion
Understanding that do people buy fentanyl reveals a complex interplay between medical necessity and the dangers of illicit drug use. Efforts to combat the opioid crisis must address both the legitimate medical use of fentanyl and the devastating impacts of its illegal purchase.
