Mayor Cherelle L Parker’s Public Schedule For Monday, January 8, 2024
Understanding Fentanyl
It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Like morphine, it is a medicine that is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids. Tolerance occurs when you need a higher and/or more frequent amount of a drug to get the desired effects. Because of the War on Drugs, misguided public health policy, and laws punishing drug use, the unsafe drug supply is growing.
The DEA sampled tablets seized nationwide between January and March 2019. It found 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat the most severe pain. While all opioids can be deadly, fentanyl is especially dangerous because it is so strong—much stronger than heroin or morphine. Naloxone nasal spray is a life-saving drug, if administered in time, and can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that can be used to temporarily reverse opioid overdoses.
Following are two examples of overdose response programs that can now use program funds to purchase FTS. The drug also causes a shorter-lived high than other opioids, meaning users must take the drug more frequently to avoid withdrawal. Mary Ward, president of the McLeod Addiction Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, has noticed the shift toward a preference for fentanyl in her home state. “Some people thought they were buying heroin on the street, and it turned out to be fentanyl,” Ward said. Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has also prepared an online fentanyl test strip training, please view below.
CSU’s inclusive community designed to provide support for students on all paths and in all phases of recovery including substance use disorders, eating disorders, as well as process and other mental health disorders. These barriers to use of fentanyl test strips was underscored by the recognition that structural factors outside of their control left them with few actions to take following a positive test strip result. This was often expressed as resignation, such as with Jamal (Black, man, 58, crack cocaine), who said “What happens is going to happen”. 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.
With information from the test, a person can take steps to reduce their risk of an overdose. In Wisconsin, fentanyl is present in many drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, as well as pills made to resemble prescription medications. Because fentanyl is unable to be detected by sight, taste, smell, or touch, people taking drugs not purchased from a licensed pharmacy should always use fentanyl test strips. Fentanyl test strips do not provide information about the amount or strength of fentanyl in a drug supply. 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 transaction starts with advertising on apps like Instagram or Facebook, public platforms where dealers will post suggestive emojis looking for customers. After a connection is made, the seller and buyer will transition to more secretive apps where messages either delete after sending or come encrypted to discuss the terms of the transaction. After that, payment is sent, drugs are shipped, and within minutes, the deal is done. There is a fatal overdose in Colorado every 4 hours, 45 minutes and 9 seconds. Stop the Clock connects community members with pharmacies and other sites that offer naloxone.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than morphine and is primarily used for pain management in medical settings. It is crucial to understand the implications of purchasing or using fentanyl.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids. It is used to treat severe pain, often as part of cancer treatment, or after surgery. However, its potency also makes it a target for misuse and illegal distribution.
The Risks of Fentanyl
Using fentanyl can lead to serious health risks, including:
- Respiratory depression
- Overdose, which can be fatal
- Developing a tolerance, leading to increased usage
- Dependence and addiction
Can I Buy Fentanyl?
The question “can I buy fentanyl” raises several critical points to consider, particularly regarding legality and safety.
Legal Considerations
In many countries, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance. This means:
- It is only available through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal.
- Obtaining it from dubious sources, like the dark web, poses significant legal and health risks.
- Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain-management treatment of cancer patients.
- The target of an investigation, a low-level drug dealer, had the answer.
- One of the major causes of opioid overdose on college campuses nationwide is the unintentional ingestion of opiates.
- One dark web marketplace – the since-retired “ASAP Market” – was particularly selective about enforcing its apparent “no fentanyl” policy.
- When you use an illegal drug, there’s no guarantee that it contains what the dealer or person who gave it to you says it does.
Prescription and Medical Guidance
If experiencing severe pain or discomfort, consult with a healthcare professional. They may consider the following:
- Assess your medical history and pain management needs.
- Discuss alternative treatments and the potential for fentanyl use.
- Offer guidance on safe usage if prescribed.
Illicit Use and Consequences
Purchasing fentanyl illegally can lead to:
- Legal ramifications, including arrest and incarceration.
- Increased risk of overdose, particularly with counterfeit pills that may contain lethal doses.
- Potential addiction and health complications.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
No, buying fentanyl online from unverified sources is illegal and highly dangerous. It increases the risk of receiving counterfeit or contaminated products.
2. What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions meticulously, and ensure that you are using it only as directed.
3. How can I safely dispose of unused fentanyl?
Follow local guidelines for drug disposal. Many areas have designated drop-off locations or events for safely disposing of controlled substances.
4. What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Signs include:
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue or purple lips and fingers
5. What should I do if someone is experiencing an overdose?
Call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone if available. Keep the person awake and breathing until help arrives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the question “can I buy fentanyl” may arise, it is essential to prioritize safety and legality. Always consult with a healthcare professional regarding pain management and consider safer, medically approved alternatives to avoid the significant risks associated with fentanyl.
