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Understanding Fentanyl: The Consumer Perspective
This wanton disregard for human life is reflected in the fact the DEA has often tested counterfeit OxyContin pills containing up to 5 milligrams of fentanyl—or 2½ times a lethal dose. The total number of overdose deaths involving any opioid surpassed 80,000 in 2021, the last year for which the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) has complete data. People should also keep the overdose reversal drug Narcan on hand when using illicit drugs, he says.
The question of do people buy fentanyl is multifaceted and arises from the current state of the opioid crisis. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid utilized primarily for pain management, but its presence in illicit drug markets raises concerns about misuse and addiction.
Prescription opioids have always been used to alleviate serious pain, such as after surgery. The opioid crisis, that is the rise in opioid overdose deaths, can be outlined in three distinct waves. The first wave began with increased prescribing of opioids in the 1990’s, with overdose deaths involving prescription opioids (natural and semi-synthetic opioids and methadone) increasing since at least 1999. The second wave began in 2010, with rapid increases in overdose deaths involving heroin.
Naloxone is a medicine that can treat a fentanyl overdose when given right away. It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioid drugs. But fentanyl is stronger than other opioid drugs like morphine and might require multiple doses of naloxone. Physicians like me have seen a rise in unintentional fentanyl use from people buying prescription opioids and other drugs laced, or adulterated, with fentanyl. Heroin users in my community in Massachusetts came to realize that fentanyl had entered the drug supply when overdose numbers exploded.
The Gazette spoke with Sarah Wakeman, the senior medical director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham about the legal shift over use of the products. TN Department of Health Data DashboardThis interactive tool contains state, regional, and county level data on fatal overdoses, nonfatal overdoses and drug prescribing. Fentanyl Test Strip Cards This document is formatted to print 3 cards per page front and back that explain how to use fentanyl test strips and provide essential treatment and recovery resources. And I have nothing but thanks to each of you and the folks in your office for the work you do every day. That’s according to police and local advocates working with people who use drugs. They say fentanyl is selling for anywhere from 50 cents to $5 a pill, depending on location and dealer-user relationships.
The Prevalence of Fentanyl in the Market
Fentanyl can be prescribed legally by healthcare professionals, but it is also manufactured and sold illegally. Key factors influencing do people buy fentanyl include:
- Medical Needs: Patients suffering from severe pain often receive fentanyl prescriptions.
- Illicit Use: Some individuals turn to fentanyl for recreational use, often seeking its extreme potency.
- Accessibility: The drug can be obtained both through prescriptions and the black market.
Illegally manufactured fentanyl is a perilous chemical experiment, a stew of synthetic opioids. Most counterfeit fentanyl pills and powders on the American market originate in China; however, law enforcement uncovers a growing number of domestic manufacturers each year. “Nearly every person discussed the increased frequency of overdoses—a constant reminder of the lethality of the drug supply.
Free online training on how to use naloxone is available at this link. If you would like more information or a naloxone training for a group/agency, reach out to the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist (ROPS) who serves your area. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Cronin told us that Gordon Jin would often slip fentanyl past U.S.
Why People Choose to Buy Fentanyl
Several reasons contribute to the decision to purchase fentanyl:
- Chronic Pain Management: Many individuals with persistent pain conditions find that fentanyl provides significant relief.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Fentanyl can be cheaper compared to other opioids, making it appealing on the street.
- Euphoria and Dependence: Recreational users may seek the intense euphoria associated with fentanyl consumption.
Risks Associated with Fentanyl Consumption
While some consumers may benefit from fentanyl, significant risks accompany its use, particularly when obtained illicitly:
- Overdose: Fentanyl is much stronger than morphine or heroin, leading to a high risk of overdose.
- Addiction: Regular usage can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction.
- Contaminated Products: Illegally manufactured fentanyl often contains impurities and can be mixed with other substances, increasing the danger.
FAQs About Fentanyl Usage
1. Why do people buy fentanyl if it is dangerous?
- The typical dealer selling deadly opioids does not fit a specific profile, which is a challenge for law enforcement.
- The vape pens contain THC resin which potentially holds up to 60 percent of THC inside the cartridge.
- One drug, fentanyl, is like rocket fuel in the sharp rise of the crisis.
- On this page we provide a detailed analysis of drug-caused deaths involving fentanyl to provide some insights into use in Washington State.
- Back then, few people who walked through the door tested positive for fentanyl, she said, adding that now the drug is pervasive.
- Illicit fentanyl, primarily manufactured in foreign clandestine labs and smuggled into the United States through Mexico, is being distributed across the country and sold on the illegal drug market.
Many individuals underestimate the risks associated with fentanyl or are unaware of the dangers. Others may feel desperate due to unmanaged pain or the compulsion of addiction.
2. How is fentanyl typically purchased?
Fentanyl can be obtained through medical prescriptions, but illegal purchases often occur through online transactions or street dealers.
3. Are there alternatives to fentanyl?
Yes, there are various other pain management options, including non-opioid medications, physical therapy, and complementary treatments.
4. What can be done to prevent fentanyl misuse?
Education on the risks, increased access to addiction treatment, and stricter regulations on prescription opioids can help mitigate the crisis.
Conclusion
The critical inquiry of do people buy fentanyl highlights a significant aspect of the ongoing opioid epidemic. Understanding the demographics, motivations, and risks involved in fentanyl consumption is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
