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Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is primarily used as a pain reliever and anesthetic. It is estimated to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine, making it highly effective for managing severe pain. However, due to its potency, fentanyl carries a high risk of addiction and overdose, making it a controlled substance in most countries.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Where to get Narcan:
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help available. Look for information at Indiana Addiction Treatment or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area. Only take prescribed medicines purchased over-the-counter at a pharmacy. Research has shown that people who use fentanyl test strips often make changes that can keep them safer.
- This is why fentanyl is often found in drugs like cocaine, counterfeit Xanax, counterfeit Adderall, or other drugs not classified as opioids.
- It was more effective using words like “Percs” or “Percocet “or “Oxy’s” rather than opioids or opiates.
- It’s also often made as a white powder, which can easily be mixed or “cut” with other drugs like heroin to make them stronger, allowing people who sell drugs to make more profit.
- Use this state-based locator to find a pharmacy, clinic, health department, or community based organization in your area that provides naloxone distribution.
- Illegal fentanyl often comes as a powder or pressed into a pill.
Fentanyl abuse has become a major concern in recent years, leading to numerous fatalities worldwide. Despite being a prescription medication in some forms, the illicit production and distribution of fentanyl have contributed to its misuse and illegal trade. This dangerous drug can be obtained through various means, including online platforms and the black market.
Cheap, easy test to spot fentanyl in opioids could stem fatal overdoses. There’s just one problem.
Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer that’s been linked to a growing number of overdose deaths across the country. The Denver Police Department has found xylazine mixed with fentanyl in Denver’s drug supply. Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone does not reverse its effects.
Fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine, in unregulated injectable drugs, powders and pills. Research by the Washington State Department of Health reveals that individuals using fentanyl test strips take steps to reduce their risk of overdose. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used for treating severe pain and is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the United States are linked to illicitly made fentanyl. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine to increase its euphoric effects.
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Online Availability
In today’s digital age, access to illegal drugs has become easier than ever before. Unfortunately, this includes fentanyl. A quick internet search may yield results suggesting that you can buy fentanyl online. However, it is crucial to note that purchasing fentanyl without a valid prescription is highly illegal and incredibly risky.
Buying fentanyl online poses several dangers:
- Unknown Origin: The origin and quality of the product are uncertain when purchasing online. Illicitly obtained fentanyl may contain harmful additives or even be an entirely different substance, increasing the risk of adverse effects and potential overdose.
- Legal Consequences: Possessing fentanyl without a proper prescription can result in serious legal consequences, including hefty fines and imprisonment. Law enforcement agencies actively monitor illegal online drug sales, meaning buyers and sellers can face severe penalties.
- Health Risks: Fentanyl is a potent opioid that can cause a range of health complications, including respiratory depression, addiction, and overdose. Purchasing from unregulated sources heightens the risk of unknowingly consuming dangerous substances.
If you use heroin, cocaine or crack—even rarely—you’re at risk of a fentanyl-involved overdose. Many of the opioid pills and powders sold on the street are fake. They often contain fentanyl in potentially deadly amounts but are mislabeled as other opioids. The DEA sampled tablets seized nationwide between January and March 2019. It found 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
Black Market and Street Sales
Counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets containing fentanyl kill thousands of people every year, and they can look exactly like the real ones. There is no way to know whether illicitly-purchased pharmaceuticals contain fentanyl without testing them first. Whether you are testing everything you intend to consume or a smaller portion of your drugs, you need to dilute the powder in the correct amount of water. Contact the syringe services program or Dept. of Health and Human Services in your state. These groups may be able to provide test strips free of charge, or know where you can get them.
Effects of Xylazine
Fentanyl can also be found on the black market, where drug dealers illegally distribute it. However, buying from these illicit sources is highly discouraged due to the inherent dangers involved.
Here are some reasons to avoid purchasing fentanyl from the black market:
- Uncontrolled Quality: Drugs obtained from the black market can vary significantly in purity and potency. There is no guarantee that what you buy is actually fentanyl or if it has been mixed with other dangerous substances, increasing the risk of overdose and adverse effects.
- Violence and Criminal Activities: Engaging with the black market exposes individuals to dangerous environments and criminal activities. The consequences of involvement with illegal drug transactions can be severe and life-altering.
- Lack of Support and Safety Measures: Purchasing drugs outside of regulated channels means missing out on the guidance and harm reduction measures provided by healthcare professionals. This lack of support further increases the risks associated with fentanyl use.
In conclusion, while there may be claims that you can buy fentanyl online or through the black market, doing so is illegal, highly dangerous, and potentially life-threatening. It is essential to prioritize your health and well-being by seeking proper medical care and never attempting to obtain controlled substances without a legitimate prescription. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it is crucial to reach out for professional help immediately.
