Fighting Fentanyl: The Practitioners
Illicit fentanyl can be added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, and more addictive. Illicit fentanyl has been found in many drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and cocaine. Fentanyl mixed with any drug increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose.
Understanding Fentanyl
NARCAN® also can be purchased at more than 500 pharmacies without a prescription under a standing order. Locations where NARCAN® is available can be found on the DHS website. DHS also encourages hepatitis C and HIV screening as part of an ongoing drug user health initiative. Many substances in the U.S. are laced with fentanyl, a very powerful synthetic opioid painkiller.
In San Francisco, they’re known as “commuter drug dealers” due to the fact that they tend to stay in the cheaper East Bay and take the BART downtown. A local West Virginia center accepts babies suffering from opioid exposure, offering specialized care for drug-caused Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Clandestine labs across the globe manufacture fentanyl into a synthetic powder. When Sim started selling it he had just graduated high school where he had top grades, good parents and before he turned 20, a major drug operation going between a house and apartment he rented. Unlike injection drug users, she was abusing her doctor-prescribed fentanyl patches.
Elliptic’s investigation into the role of crypto in the fentanyl trade has uncovered that these rules are often not strictly enforced. Many vendors still sell fentanyl on mainstream dark web markets, disguised using names such as “China White” and hashtags such as “fetty” or “synthetic”. If your strips come with specific directions, follow those directions exactly. Instead of blaming others, let’s work together to end accidental overdoses. Don’t leave your drugs in the oven for too long after they’re dry. If your drugs weren’t brown to begin with, a tan or brown tint might mean that you’ve burned them.
Opioid use disorder is a medical condition that can affect anyone who uses opioids. Wherever you or someone you care about may be in a struggle with opioids, there are people ready to help. In Wisconsin, no one is alone in their journey to overcome opioid use disorder. We are supported through donations and grants from organizations who partner with us to prevent accidental fentanyl overdoses. As Sim explained, a single gram could kill thousands of people.
We’ve seen that with naloxone [used to treat overdose] and naloxone distribution. Counties that have greater access to naloxone have lower rates of overdose death, and that’s been shown here in Massachusetts. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. The potency and contents of illicit drugs, including IMF, is always changing. This makes it impossible for someone to know the strength or the mixture of substances in their drug product. IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. While it has legitimate medical uses, its illicit production and distribution have led to widespread misuse and significant public health risks.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl?
The question of where can I buy fentanyl is sensitive, given the drug’s potential for abuse and the associated legal implications. Below are some avenues through which it might be procured:
Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years. Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using. This makes evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as fentanyl test strips, safety planning, and access to safe supply more vital than ever. It is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
Fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if drugs have been mixed or cut with fentanyl. They can be used to sample street drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and illegally obtained prescription pills. The strips give those who use illegal drugs a way to determine if fentanyl is present in their drug supply and to help reduce the risk of an overdose.
1. Prescription from a Licensed Medical Professional
- Fentanyl is legally available only through a valid prescription.
- Consult a healthcare provider if you believe you need fentanyl for pain management.
- Once prescribed, fentanyl can be obtained from a licensed pharmacy.
2. Speciality Clinics
- Some pain management or oncology clinics may offer fentanyl treatment options.
- These clinics are equipped to handle patients with chronic pain conditions.
Legal and Safety Concerns
It is crucial to understand the legal status of fentanyl in your area:
- Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Illicitly obtained fentanyl significantly increases the risk of overdose and death.
FAQs
What are the risks of buying fentanyl illegally?
Illegally obtained fentanyl can be mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of unexpected overdose. It can also lack quality control, making its potency unpredictable.
- In 2020, over 80% of the fentanyl police confiscated with in tablet form.
- If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.
- Just a few years before, in 2018, the state registered only 214 fentanyl-related deaths.
Is it safe to use fentanyl for pain management?
When prescribed and monitored by a medical professional, fentanyl can be effective for pain management. However, it requires careful dosage management due to its potency.
Are there alternatives to fentanyl for pain treatment?
Yes, there are several alternatives, including:
- Other opioids like morphine or oxycodone
- Non-opioid medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Physical therapy and non-pharmacological interventions
How can I be sure I’m using fentanyl safely?
Always follow your doctor’s prescription and dosage instructions. Regularly communicate with your healthcare provider about any side effects or concerns during your treatment.
Conclusion
While the question where can I buy fentanyl may arise, it is essential to emphasize the importance of obtaining it through legal and safe means. Misuse of fentanyl poses significant health risks, and it is imperative to consult healthcare professionals for safe pain management solutions.
