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Understanding Fentanyl
The modern epidemic of fentanyl adulteration is far broader in its geographic distribution, production and number of deaths. Overdose deaths roughly quadrupled, going from 8,050 in 1999 to 33,091 in 2015. From May 2020 to April 2021, more than 100,000 Americans died from a drug overdose, with over 64 percent of these deaths due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl and its analogs. The strips are one way of helping prevent drug overdoses by detecting if there is fentanyl present in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used for pain management in medical settings. It is significantly stronger than morphine and is often prescribed for severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or those undergoing major surgeries.
The city’s health department has actively worked to get naloxone, the opioid-overdose reversal medication, into the hands of people who can use it to save lives, and to expand access to addiction treatment. Working with the nonprofit Code in the Schools, the city in 2017 launched a “bad batch” text alert system, to warn people who use drugs when there is a spike in overdose deaths in a certain area. Health departments and community-based organizations across the country have been stepping up to respond to the opioid crisis.
Fentanyl mixed with drugs or alcohol increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids and can reverse an opioid overdose. With a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be administered. Legal, pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. Legally made fentanyl can be diverted through theft, fradulent prescriptions, and illicit distribution. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is distributed in powder or tablet (pill) form through illegal drug markets.
If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home. Naloxone temporarily knocks the opioids out of the opioid receptors in the brain, this will trigger normal breathing. However, depending on how much opioids the person has in their system, they could experience a second potentially fatal overdose because the naloxone wears off in about minutes.
However, due to its potency, fentanyl also has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Many individuals seeking it for personal use may wonder, “can you buy fentanyl?”
ASAP Market is not the only dark web marketplace to – supposedly inadvertently – facilitate the fentanyl trade. The Investigator graph below shows that some vendors are active on a number of other dark markets, including Incognito, Vice City Market and World Market. This cluster of vendors receives fentanyl from a supplier based in Shanghai, China. “China White” is likely to be α-Methylfentany – a powerful fentanyl analog – yet it can be hard to establish its composition as traffickers use a range of chemicals based on what they can source pre-production. Overdose Lifeline is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities affected by the disease of substance use disorder. In 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released a standing order, which allows anyone to visit a pharmacy and receive Naloxone without a prescription.
Because fentanyl is so potent, its use in people who are naïve to fentanyl use can quickly lead to overdose and death. Even though research has confirmed that fentanyl test strips are an accurate, low-cost, and relatively easy method of testing drugs for the presence of fentanyl, they aren’t always a 100% guarantee. Ideally, it’s best to use them every time you use, but it may not be realistic for everyone.
Legal Framework around Fentanyl
- Please note that if you do not use drugs frequently or daily, it is not necessary to request more than a couple test strips from free harm reduction programs.
- The potency and contents of illicit drugs, including IMF, is always changing.
- Xylazine can also cause wounds and may lead to life-threatening infections that can cause conditions like endocarditis and sepsis.
Some online retailers sell fentanyl test strips, and certain states such as Ohio are now providing test strips in vending machines for easier access, sometimes along with naloxone. When buying online, use extreme caution to be sure the tests are valid. Studies have shown that fentanyl test strips can increase awareness and lead to safety precautions to help prevent an overdose. A lethally potent drug is driving the rapid rise in overdose deaths, killing thousands of people who don’t even know they’ve taken it.
The legality of purchasing fentanyl depends largely on the context and location:
- Prescription Use: In most countries, fentanyl is only available through a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
- Illegal Sales: Despite its legal status, there is a significant illegal market for fentanyl, which poses severe risks for users.
- Controlled Substance: Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
If an individual considers purchasing fentanyl without a prescription, they should be aware of the substantial risks involved:
- Health Risks: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
- Legal Consequences: Possessing or distributing fentanyl without a prescription can lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Lack of Quality Control: Unlike pharmaceuticals, illegally obtained fentanyl may not meet safety standards, leading to unexpected potency.
FAQs About Fentanyl
Can You Buy Fentanyl Online?
Purchasing fentanyl online is illegal without a prescription. Many websites may claim to sell it, but these can be scams or may offer counterfeit products.
What to Do If You Need Pain Relief?
If you are struggling with severe pain, consult a healthcare professional. They can provide appropriate treatment options, which may or may not include fentanyl.
What Are the Signs of Fentanyl Abuse?
Recognizing the signs of fentanyl abuse is crucial:
- Using fentanyl more frequently than prescribed.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using fentanyl.
- Engaging in illegal activities to obtain fentanyl.
Conclusion
While can you buy fentanyl might seem like a simple question, the answer is complex and fraught with dangers. It is essential to understand both the legal implications and health risks associated with this powerful opioid.
Ultimately, the best course of action is to seek help from healthcare professionals if you or someone you know is grappling with pain or substance abuse related to fentanyl.
