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Understanding Fentanyl: Can I Buy Fentanyl?
Synthetic opioid overdose mortality among young adults has risen more than 300% in the USA since 2013, primarily due to the contamination of heroin and other drugs with illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Rapid test strips, which can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl in drug samples (before use) or urine (after use), may help inform people about their exposure risk. The purpose of this study was to determine whether young adults who use drugs were willing to use rapid test strips as a harm reduction intervention to prevent overdose. We hypothesized that those who had ever overdosed would be more willing to use the test strips. Please help keep our LGBTQ community safe by learning about fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, usually found in powdered form.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management. However, it is also frequently misused, leading to significant concerns regarding its availability and legality. This article explores the implications of asking, “can I buy fentanyl?”
It’s up to 100 times stronger than other opioids like morphine, heroin, or oxycodone. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows between 2019 and 2021, the number of teens who died from fentanyl increased from 253 to 884. Many of those fentanyl-laced drugs were purchased over clandestine social media apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Wickr. Colorado authorities have seen a large influx of fentanyl over the past year and are expecting to see an increase in overdoses in the coming months. In fact, the CDC announced that fentanyl is now the leading cause of death among adults 18 to 45 in the United States. Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) is urging caution following the discovery of a powdered form of fentanyl circulating in the county’s illicit drug market.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is able to provide more information as well as training or presentation opportunities that cover the topics of harm reduction, HIV, viral hepatitis, and STDs. For more information, or to request a presentation, send an email to Find it in your community, or have it mailed to you by clicking here. Last July, he said, there were thousands of listings for fentanyl and its analogues on AlphaBay, a darknet site that was shut down by law enforcement. Now, on Dream Market, another darknet drug market, there are just 300.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It has a legitimate medical use in treating severe pain, often prescribed for patients after major surgeries or those suffering from chronic pain conditions. Nevertheless, its potency makes it a frequent target for abuse.
Preventing Opioid Overdose: Focus On Fentanyl
- Naloxone will not reverse the effects of xylazine, but it does help reverse the effects of opioids such as fentanyl.
- If someone smoking crack is overdosing, I don’t know if I would recognize [the overdose].
- The synthetic opioid claimed two thirds of the record 64,000 such fatalities in the U.S. in 2016.
- Only one study participant was concerned about law enforcement and the use of fentanyl test strips, which is surprising given that participants had a median of 10 arrests in Philadelphia.
Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. In April 2021, CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced7 federal funding could be used to purchase FTS. This purchase approval applies to all federal grant programs, like CDC’s multiyear Overdose Data to Action cooperative agreement, if the purchase of FTS is consistent with the purpose of the program.
Legality of Fentanyl
If misused, fentanyl can cause a person’s breathing to slow and stop; this is often called an “overdose.” If breathing stops, a person can die. However, it is unlikely you will overdose just from being around or helping someone who has smoked or used fentanyl. There is no evidence of first responders experiencing an overdose from secondhand fentanyl exposure. Studies have shown that fentanyl test strips can increase awareness and lead to safety precautions to help prevent an overdose. Over the past year and a half, as fentanyl, which can be 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, has killed tens of thousands of Americans, 16 additional states have passed laws legalizing the strips.
If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities. This medication is not just for people with an opioid dependence or addiction. If you or a loved one are prescribed opioid painkillers, or are taking opioids, you should have Narcan on hand.
The legality of purchasing fentanyl varies by country and region. In many places, it is strictly regulated and classified as a controlled substance.
- If prescribed by a licensed physician, fentanyl can be legally obtained through pharmacies.
- Illicitly purchasing fentanyl, such as through street dealers or online sources, is illegal and poses significant health risks.
Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use “georgia.gov” or “ga.gov” at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you’re on an official state website. Mr. Hendricks, who has a 1-year-old daughter, said he suspected that fentanyl was being added to his crack to make the drug more addictive and even harder to quit.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
There are considerable dangers associated with trying to buy fentanyl without a prescription:
- Dosage Uncertainty: Illegally obtained fentanyl may not be accurately dosed, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Contamination: Illicit fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, further heightening the danger to users.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing fentanyl illegally can lead to severe legal ramifications, including imprisonment.
FAQs About Fentanyl
1. Can I buy fentanyl over the counter?
No, fentanyl is a controlled substance and cannot be legally purchased over the counter.
2. What should I do if I need fentanyl for pain management?
Speak with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your condition and determine whether a prescription is warranted.
3. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs of overdose may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme drowsiness
- Unresponsiveness
- Blue or purple lips and fingernails
4. Can I get fentanyl from online pharmacies?
Only legal and reputable online pharmacies can dispense fentanyl with a valid prescription. Be cautious, as many online sources may sell counterfeit drugs.
Conclusion
Asking “can I buy fentanyl?” should be approached with caution and understanding of the legal, health, and ethical implications. Always prioritize safety by consulting with healthcare professionals and adhering to legal guidelines regarding prescription medications.
