Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid pain reliever, has been at the center of the opioid crisis in recent years. Despite its high potential for addiction and overdose, many individuals continue to buy and use this dangerous drug. But why do people buy fentanyl in the first place?
Responding To Xylazine Overdoses
Employers should also review guidance from Washington Labor & Industries before attempting to clean a space where there is evidence of fentanyl. There is separate guidance for employees who may come into contact with fentanyl in their workplace. Identification of fentanyl analogues in the early years of illicit fentanyl distribution may have been incomplete due to lack of familiarity with specific chemicals as well as changes in laboratory testing and reporting procedures.
Addiction and Dependence
One of the main reasons people buy fentanyl is due to addiction and dependence. When someone becomes addicted to opioids, their brain craves the drug and they may feel like they cannot function without it. This can lead individuals to seek out stronger opioids like fentanyl to satisfy their cravings.
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Cheap and Accessible
- This mixing is the reason why opioid overdose deaths remain high in Wisconsin.
- Fentanyl is sold as a powder or a pill, or is cut into (mixed with) drugs such as heroin or cocaine.
- Fentanyl is also having anoutsized impact on San Diegos unsheltered population, killing 113 homeless people last year an alarming increase from just five years ago, when two people experiencing homelessness died from fentanyl overdose.
- The drug and fentanyl epidemic is moving to the social media sphere, and many parents do not know their kids are part of it.
- What’s more, experts said, people are increasingly moving from injecting fentanyl to smoking it.
Another reason people buy fentanyl is because it is often cheaper and more accessible than other prescription opioids. With the rise of illicit drug markets, fentanyl has become a popular choice for individuals looking for a quick and potent high. Its low cost and availability make it an attractive option for those struggling with addiction.
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Peer Pressure and Influence
Fentanyl is the main driver of opioid overdose deaths in Washington state. In 2022, the drug was involved in 90% of fatal opioid overdoses in the state and 65% of all overdose deaths, according to the University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug and Alcohol Institute. Xylazine is being incorporated into the illicit drug supply and is now geographically spread throughout the United States. Xylazine has frequently been found mixed with opioids (including fentanyl) and stimulants (including methamphetamine and cocaine).
Xylazine: A New Threat
Peer pressure and influence can also play a significant role in why people buy fentanyl. In some social circles, using drugs like fentanyl may be seen as a way to fit in or cope with stress. Individuals may feel pressured to try fentanyl by friends or acquaintances, leading to risky behaviors and potential addiction.
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What is the drug area in California?
The Central Valley HIDTA region consists of 10 counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Stanislaus, and Tulare. The region encompasses nearly 32,000 square miles in central California, with a population of approximately 5 million.
Pain Management
The rise in use and overdoses are described as well as some of the reasons for these changes. Implications for overdose prevention and initiating treatment with medications for opioid use disorder are described. In 2020, over 80% of the fentanyl police confiscated with in tablet form. Police evidence that looked like black tar heroin actually was heroin in 95% of cases, suggesting that fentanyl was rarely in “heroin” in 2020. HHSC is committed to addressing the opioid crisis and protecting the health and safety of all Texans.
On the other hand, some individuals may buy fentanyl for legitimate medical purposes. Fentanyl is commonly prescribed for severe pain management, such as in cases of cancer or end-of-life care. However, even when used as prescribed, fentanyl can still be highly addictive and pose risks of overdose.
Who created Oxycontin?
All three of the original Sackler brothers who bought Purdue and ultimately developed oxycontin were physicians. At the peak of their sales and marketing, Purdue hired 3,000 doctors to serve on their speakers bureau—a fact which certainly does not reflect well on the medical profession.
In Conclusion,
Is Percocet the same as oxycodone?
Percocet and oxycodone are both opioid drugs that can relieve pain. Oxycodone is a generic ingredient in many branded drugs. Percocet is the brand name of a medication that contains oxycodone and acetaminophen.
There are various reasons why people buy fentanyl, ranging from addiction and dependence to peer pressure and legitimate medical needs. Regardless of the reasons, it is important to be aware of the dangers associated with fentanyl use and seek help if struggling with addiction. Education and access to resources are key in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis.
How many fentanyl deaths in 2023?
In 2023 the overdose death rate topped 112,000 in a 12 month period for the first time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.