How Do I Respond To A Fentanyl Overdose?
Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These particular pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
These sites are not affiliated with any Law Enforcement Agency and no Law Enforcement Officers are present. As fentanyl floods the illicit drug market, the price for a pill has dropped substantially in the past few years. That’s according to police and local advocates working with people who use drugs. They say fentanyl is selling for anywhere from 50 cents to $5 a pill, depending on location and dealer-user relationships. To get fentanyl test strips, connect with your local Syringe Service Program. Dr. Susan Sherman and Dr. Traci Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV.
Many individuals consume fentanyl without knowledge while others use it intentionally because of its potency. Naloxone is an FDA- approved medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. This means it can block opioid receptors in the body and reverse an opioid overdose for minutes. It is a temporary treatment – so you should still call 911 if someone responds to the medicine.
Because fentanyl is so potent, its use in people who are naïve to fentanyl use can quickly lead to overdose and death. Access this directory of Washington State syringe exchange programs. Please note that all syringe exchange programs also provide overdose prevention and response training and naloxone distribution. No drug has fueled the current spike in overdose deaths more than fentanyl. The synthetic opioid claimed two thirds of the record 64,000 such fatalities in the U.S. in 2016.
When he woke up, everything he owned, including his drugs, money, shirts and even underwear, were gone. WW sent the drugs to a lab, which confirmed it was fentanyl—a weak dose, heavily cut with the diuretic mannitol. Instead, he says, ask for “fetty,” the powdered fentanyl that’s surged in popularity in the past year.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Acquisition
Testing every time before you use may not be enough, and some drugs like weed don’t need to be tested at all. 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.
Here is a map showing all the locations where FentCheck™ venues have fentanyl test strips available. There are many different fentanyl-like drugs and it’s hard to tell the difference between them all by just taste, smell, color, or feel. Fentanyl test strips are easy to use tests to see if your drugs have some types of fentanyl in them. One order of fentanyl test strips includes five individual strips.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used medically for severe pain management. However, due to its potency, it is crucial to approach the topic of acquiring fentanyl with caution. Below are some considerations regarding how can I buy fentanyl.
Medical Acquisition of Fentanyl
If you are looking to obtain fentanyl for legitimate medical purposes, follow these steps:
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Speak with your doctor about your pain management needs. Only a qualified medical professional can determine if fentanyl is appropriate for your situation.
- Get a Prescription: If your doctor deems it necessary, they will provide you with a prescription that can be filled at a pharmacy.
- Purchase from a Licensed Pharmacy: Take your prescription to a licensed pharmacy, ensuring that it is a reputable source.
Risks of Non-Medical Acquisition
Acquiring fentanyl outside of legal medical avenues poses significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
- Health Risks: Drugs obtained from unauthorized sources may be counterfeit, leading to an increased risk of overdose or other health complications.
- Adding to Addiction Issues: Fentanyl is highly addictive, and non-medical use can lead to substance abuse and dependency.
- Opioid naïve individuals are at high risk of accidental overdose because they do not have a tolerance for opioids, may not have access to naloxone, and may not know how to decrease overdose risk.
- The tests also check for many variations of fentanyl known as analogs.
- Inpatient programs also offer treatment in the form of therapy, medication, and support groups that can help promote healthy coping skills to support sobriety after leaving.
- However, the street price is usually around $3 to $5, Gulpan said.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is fentanyl available over the counter?
No, fentanyl is a controlled substance and requires a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
2. What should I do if I am struggling with pain relief?
Contact a healthcare provider to discuss your options for effective and safe pain Management.
3. Are there alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
Yes, there are various alternative pain management options, including other medications, physical therapy, and holistic approaches. Your doctor can recommend suitable alternatives based on your specific condition.
4. What are the dangers of buying fentanyl illegally?
Illegally purchased fentanyl may be laced with other harmful substances, increasing the risk of overdose and death. Additionally, possessing fentanyl without a prescription can lead to legal repercussions.
Conclusion
In summary, acquiring fentanyl should only be done through legal and medical means. The risks associated with non-medical acquisition are significant and can lead to serious health and legal consequences. If you have questions about pain management or fentanyl, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate guidance and support.
