Mayor Cherelle L Parker’s Public Schedule For Monday, January 8, 2024
Understanding Fentanyl
- Xylazine is dangerous because it can depress breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature to critical levels and, in combination with fentanyl, can make overdose reversal challenging.
- “The feds are very on top of the clearnet markets,” he said.
- Along with implementing this new policy, the City is launching a public outreach campaign with information about how and why to test drugs for fentanyl.
- Learn about the nation’s drug overdose and death epidemic, and the efforts made by physicians to end the epidemic in this AMA Advocacy Insights webinar.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used medically for pain management but is also associated with a high risk of addiction and overdose when misused.
Fentanyl test strips can be helpful but aren’t always enough. Your seller may not always know what other things could be mixed in your supply. Other drug checking tools like reagent kits can be used, but they can be expensive and legality varies by state (updated as of 2019). In some states like Missouri, they are still considered paraphernalia. In some cases, using meth or coke, especially at higher doses, can lead to another type of overdose called Overamping. This has long been a fear that if you give people tools to make something safer, they’re going to take greater risk.
It is crucial to recognize the legal and health implications surrounding how to buy fentanyl and the associated risks.
The inexpensive strips have been embraced by treatment organizations as a way to reduce harms from illicit drug use. Nearly 40 states have legalized their use, according to the Network for Public Health Law. The Gazette spoke with Sarah Wakeman, the senior medical director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham about the legal shift over use of the products.
Legitimate Uses of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is typically prescribed for severe pain situations, such as:
It is used in euthanasia programmes in the Netherlands and executions in US states such as Texas. That said I think it’s very appropriate that the Congress has been concerned about supply from China, that the Congress has been concerned about supply from Mexico. The Republican side is often complaining that the U.S. southern border is open, undefended, unsecure. It is the case that legal ports of entry are the predominant venue though which fentanyl comes in. It’s being brought in by trailer trucks and personal vehicles, the vast majority of which are driven by U.S. citizens and having U.S. license plate.
- Dental procedures
- Cancer treatments
- Post-surgery recovery
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 may be mixed in with other illicit drugs for several reasons, including increasing drug weight or adding an effect. People who use drugs may not be aware of the presence of xylazine in their drug product. There are limitations to xylazine and fentanyl drug checking strips because illicit drugs are not evenly mixed.
One tool to respond to this crisis is the use of drug checking equipment, such as fentanyl test strips. According to the AMA’s latest Opioid Epidemic Report, opioid prescribing continues downward trend while overdose and death related to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine increase. The AMA continues to advance evidence-based recommendations to help end the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic.
Zero In Wisconsin is a campaign of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Xylazine use can lead to unresponsiveness, forgetfulness or memory loss, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and reduced breathing. Xylazine can also cause wounds and may lead to life-threatening infections that can cause conditions like endocarditis and sepsis. These wounds have been reported from injecting, smoking, and snorting xylazine, and they can develop quickly. Xylazine wounds can take a long time to heal and require prolonged medical care.
What’s different about the fentanyl market is the potency of its product. Stay with the person and continue to monitor their breathing and alertness. Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. State of Georgia government websites and email systems use “georgia.gov” or “ga.gov” at the end of the address.
How Fentanyl is Formulated
This opioid can come in various formulations, including:
- Patches
- Lozenges
- Injections
Buying Fentanyl Responsibly
If considering how to buy fentanyl for legitimate medical purposes, follow these guidelines:
Consult a Healthcare Provider
Before purchasing fentanyl, one must:
- Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional.
- Discuss your pain management needs.
- Obtain a prescription if deemed necessary.
Recommended Pharmacies
Once you have a valid prescription, you can legally obtain fentanyl from:
- Local pharmacies
- Online pharmacies (ensure they are licensed and verified)
Risks of Misusing Fentanyl
Buying fentanyl without a prescription or using it improperly can lead to severe consequences, such as:
- Overdose
- Addiction
- Legal issues
Signs of Overdose
Recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose can save lives:
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Blue or purple skin, particularly in lips or fingertips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
No, purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and extremely dangerous.
2. What should I do if I suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl?
Call emergency services immediately and administer Naloxone if available.
3. Is it safe to use fentanyl patches?
Fentanyl patches can be safe when used as directed by a healthcare professional.
4. What are some alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
Alternatives include:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Other opioids
Conclusion
Understanding how to buy fentanyl responsibly requires awareness of legal, medical, and safety considerations.
Always prioritize safety and consult healthcare professionals when dealing with potent medications like fentanyl.
