What Should I Do If I See Someone Who Is Poisoned From Fentanyl?
This timing coincided with the first detection of illicit pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700. The availability of black-market fentanyl and fentanyl analogs led to a U.S. opioid epidemic that continues to cause thousands of overdose deaths each year and destroy families and communities in the process. A lethal dose of carfentanyl, a fentanyl analog, is about the size of the head of a pin, requiring the full protection of hazmat suits. Since xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone and other opioid antagonists do not reverse xylazine’s effect on breathing in the event of an overdose. Xylazine mixed with fentanyl or other opioids can increase the chances for fatal overdose because both drugs slow and stop breathing. Xylazine may be mixed in with other illicit drugs for several reasons, including increasing drug weight or adding an effect.
Narcan, the most common form of Naloxone is absorbed through mucous membranes, which means it can be easily administered as a nasal spray and does not require active breathing to work. Naloxone is available in the form of a nasal spray, as well as an intramuscular injectable form. DDPHE distributes the intranasal spray naloxone under the brand name Narcan. It is also important to note that COVID-19 can impact someone’s respiratory function and we are unsure how COVID-19 impacts someone’s risk to overdose. Explore the information below to learn more and see what resources are available to the community. There are a few varieties of fentanyl – injectable for using in the operating room and lollipops and patches.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain. It is significantly more potent than morphine and can be dangerous if misused.
Fentanyl moving through the street market comes in a powder form and can be injected, smoked, or snorted. It has also been found in other drugs, like heroin, meth, cocaine, and pressed pills. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times as potent as heroin. People use fentanyl because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way. Many individuals consume fentanyl without knowledge while others use it intentionally because of its potency. In addition to naloxone (e.g., Narcan), fentanyl test strips are a proven way to help reduce overdoses and death as a result of fentanyl.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
Purchasing fentanyl online poses serious risks, including:
Overall, the nation saw a 15 percent increase in deaths from overdoses in 2021. It can be injected into the veins or muscles, inhaled through the nose via a nasal spray, or applied as a patch on the skin. A health professional can prescribe fentanyl legally for a patient with pain. Illegal fentanyl has an unknown amount of fentanyl and may contain other substances such as cocaine, heroin, and xylazine (a drug given to animals to help with pain), which put users at higher risk of being poisoned. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, carfentanyl is approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine, 100 times more than fentanyl, and 50 times more than heroin.
- Exposure to counterfeit products
- Legal repercussions
- Health risks from unregulated dosages
However, vendors still manage to send the packages within aluminum alloy bags through international mail carriers complete with tracking numbers, so customers can monitor the itinerary from halfway around the world. “I have never done anything illegal, and my work is all within legal bounds,” Chen said. Corporate records seen by C4ADS and NPR show Chen also registered a string of export and pharmaceutical companies linked to his opioid-selling operation in Ningxia.
Despite the drop in fentanyl shipments from China, nimble Chinese vendors have developed new distribution strategies by producing and selling the precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl. As the opioid epidemic evolves and finds new cracks in armor, getting rid of anonymous companies is one straight-forward move that would get rid of one those cracks. In an example of how anonymous companies can used to front as legitimate businesses, Owen Hanson allegedly lead a violent international narcotics trafficking and gambling ring based in San Diego, California. He used a U.S. based anonymous shell company called Big Dog Memorabilia Inc., to disguise his activities.
Steps to Buy Fentanyl Online Safely
If you are considering purchasing fentanyl online, it is crucial to understand the ethical and legal implications. Here are the general steps one might think of:
As Vox’s German Lopez previously explained, fentanyl has been around since the 1960s, but its illicit use has spiked in recent years. It is relatively easy to produce and is much more potent than heroin. Law enforcement officials believe that China is the primary source of illicit fentanyl, where it can be produced in labs without government oversight and shipped to the United States through the Postal Service. A lot of experts would say that tackling demand and making treatment more accessible should be the top priority. Still, this new Senate report reveals in stunning detail just how easy it is to order some of the most potent opioids available from the other side of the world. No longer is the epidemic of overdoses limited to regular drug users.
- Consult a Medical Professional: Always start by discussing your pain management options with a healthcare provider.
- Obtain a Prescription: If fentanyl is deemed necessary for your condition, a doctor can provide a legally obtained prescription.
- Research Online Pharmacies: Look for pharmacies that require a prescription and are verified by organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
- Review Customer Feedback: Checking customer reviews can provide insights into the reliability of the pharmacy.
- Verify Licensing: Ensure that the pharmacy is licensed to operate in your country or state.
- Check Payment Methods: Reputable pharmacies offer secure payment options and do not request wire transfers or payment in cryptocurrency.
FAQs
Is it legal to buy fentanyl online?
Legality varies by location and it is crucial to have a valid prescription to obtain fentanyl legally.
What are the risks of unregulated fentanyl?
Unregulated fentanyl can lead to overdoses, severe side effects, or even death due to the lack of quality control.
- It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids such as oxycodone.
- In the last decade, technologies for chemical detection have been developed to try and replicate the sensitivity of a dog’s nose.
- Programs include screenings for substance use, trainings, identity workshops, and more.
- For years, China has been a primary source of fentanyl trafficked into the United States.
- Answers questions about substance abuse, its symptoms, different types of treatment, and recovery.
Are there safe alternatives to fentanyl?
Many other pain management options exist, including non-opioid medications, physical therapy, and holistic approaches. It’s important to explore these with a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Buying fentanyl online carries significant risks, both legally and health-wise. Always prioritize safety and legality by consulting with healthcare professionals and obtaining prescriptions where required.