It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl unless you test your drugs with fentanyl test strips. You can still get fentanyl test strips shipped to you if you are not located in Rhode Island. Visit DanceSafe to learn more about how you can get fentanyl test strips as well as other drug testing supplies. You can also purchase strips for delivery from DoseTest and The Bunk Police. The number of deaths in England and Wales caused by the synthetic opioid fentanyl rose by 29% in 2017, according to Office for National Statistics figures.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has gained popularity among those seeking pain relief or looking for recreational use. While it is an effective painkiller when used properly, there are risks associated with its misuse and abuse. In recent years, the internet has become a common avenue for purchasing drugs, including fentanyl. However, it is crucial to understand the potential dangers and legal implications involved in buying fentanyl online.
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
When considering purchasing fentanyl online, it is important to recognize the various risks associated with this practice:
Will they save my loved one’s life?
1. Quality and Purity Concerns
- UC San Francisco Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor in Clinical Pharmacy Tessa Rife-Pennington, PharmD, BCGP, works at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and with UCSF’s Addiction Research Program.
- O If youth use substances, parents and guardians should explore reasons behind substance use.
- However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl.2 It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect.
- But related overdose deaths increased in Washington in the past two years.
- Our Research and Investigations Team also focuses on identifying new ways vendors use to disguise the trade of such illicit goods.
The biggest concern when buying any medication online, including fentanyl, is the lack of quality control. Illegitimate online pharmacies may sell counterfeit or substandard products that can be dangerous or ineffective. Without proper regulation, the purity and potency of the fentanyl being sold cannot be guaranteed, leading to potential health hazards.
2. Legal Implications
Purchasing fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal in most countries. Law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring online drug trafficking activities. Engaging in such practices puts buyers at risk of legal consequences, which may include fines, imprisonment, or both.
Why is fentanyl ending up in so many different types of drugs?
3. Health Hazards and Overdose Risk
Fentanyl is incredibly potent, with a much higher potency than other opioids like morphine or heroin. Even small variations in dosage can lead to accidental overdoses, resulting in severe respiratory depression, coma, or even death. Without the guidance of a healthcare professional, the risk of misusing fentanyl increases significantly.
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.
Seeking Legitimate Sources
If you require fentanyl for legitimate medical purposes, it is essential to follow the proper channels and ensure your safety:
What are the challenges enforcement-wise in identifying fentanyl shipments?
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional
Illegally manufactured fentanyl is fueling the increase in drug overdoses in the U.S. It is often contained in illicit drugs without the user’s knowledge. It may be laced into other illegal street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fake opioid pills, or methamphetamine (“meth”). It is relatively cheap to make and allows an illicit drug manufacturer to stretch their product, make it more powerful and addictive, and gain more money for themselves. In states where test strips are legal for distribution, residents can find test strips for sale or for free at pharmacies, public health departments, and harm reduction centers.
What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
To obtain fentanyl legally, consult with a licensed healthcare professional who can assess your condition and prescribe the appropriate dose. They will provide guidance on the safe use of fentanyl and monitor your health throughout the treatment process.
2. Use Licensed Pharmacies
Addiction Policy Forum is a nonprofit organization working to eliminate addiction as a major health problem.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin or morphine. Offers support for people seeking recovery from drugs including opioids. A common misconception is that these counterfeit prescription drugs are being laced with fentanyl. However, in the majority of counterfeit drugs, it isn’t lacing; it is substitution. This means the illicit manufacturers are pressing a tablet to look like an oxycodone tablet, but it has no oxycodone – it only has lactose and fentanyl. People think it’s oxycodone, but it’s harder to get oxycodone on the black market than it is to get the fentanyl precursor.
If you have a valid prescription for fentanyl, purchase it from reputable and licensed pharmacies in your country. These establishments must adhere to strict regulations concerning quality control, ensuring you receive genuine medication.
3. Report Suspicious Websites
More Drug Overdose Prevention Strategies
Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs that come in powder form. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids such as oxycodone. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl.
If you come across websites selling fentanyl without requiring a prescription or exhibiting other suspicious practices, report them to the appropriate authorities. Your efforts can contribute to combating illegal drug sales online and protecting others from potential harm.
Conclusion
While the internet offers convenience and anonymity, buying fentanyl online without a legitimate prescription poses significant risks. The lack of quality control, legal implications, and potential health hazards make it crucial to seek fentanyl through legitimate channels. Consult a healthcare professional who can guide you through the proper steps to access this potent medication safely. Protect yourself and others by reporting any suspicious online activities related to the illegal sale of fentanyl.
