Why Is Fentanyl Ending Up In So Many Different Types Of Drugs?
Understanding Fentanyl: Risks and Legality
Fentanyl is frequently found in all drugs (cocaine, meth, street purchased pills, etc.)• TEST THE SUPPLY. Knowing whether fentanyl is present in the drug can help guide decisions related to use.• NEVER USE ALONE. Having someone with them allows them to call 911 and provide care if they overdose.• IF THEY DO USE ALONE, HAVE THEM ASK SOMEONE TO CHECK ON THEM. They can ask someone to check on them in 5 minutes (either by phone, text, in person).• BE AWARE OF THINGS THAT PLACE THEM AT GREATER RISK OF OVERDOSE. Using slowly allows their body to adjust and gives a person time to understand how the drugs may affect them.• TRY SNORTING OR SMOKING INSTEAD.
However, many states are changing their policies to help prevent opioid overdoses and save lives. By now, you may know a family shattered by the opioid epidemic. That’s more Americans than were killed in vehicle accidents or by firearms.
“It’s nice to not have to use your veins or not inject, and so a lot of people would prefer not to be doing that,” Kral said. “I think we’re going to see more and more people smoking fentanyl than injecting it.” What’s more, experts said, people are increasingly moving from injecting fentanyl to smoking it. While the test strips aren’t fool proof, they are another tool that could give you that chance.
You can use any small container (little ketchup cups work well). Whatever container you use, only use about a half (1/2) a shot glass of water (15mL). If you are testing a stimulant (like meth, cocaine, or MDMA) use a full shot glass of water instead. Currently, there are three syringe access programs in Denver. Naloxone is available in the form of a nasal spray, as well as an intramuscular injectable form.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has gained notoriety due to its potency and the increasing rates of addiction and overdose associated with its misuse.
The white powder looked just like heroin, but was much cheaper. Drug dealers started mixing the two drugs as a way to stretch their heroin supply. Fentanyl also started showing up in non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine and fake versions of prescription pills. As a result of this grant, many local health departments and harm reduction centers now provide fentanyl test strips. You can check with your local health department for availability and information on where to buy fentanyl test strips in your community.
What is Fentanyl?
You can also find test strips at some of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs on this list. Certified providers can order up to 1,200 fentanyl test strips and up to 600 xylazine test strips or set up a naloxone ordering account using the provider and individual request form. 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.
This may rapidly become dependence, meaning that not taking opioids may cause severe pain and discomfort because opioids are no longer in the brain and body. This leads some people to use opioids more and more, a cycle that can lead to opioid use disorder. Opioid use disorder occurs when opioid use interferes with daily life.
We recruited a convenience sample of young adults who use drugs in Rhode Island from May to September 2017. Eligible participants (aged 18 to 35 with past 30-day drug use) completed an interviewer-administered survey. Participants were then trained to use the test strips and were given ten to take home.
Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is primarily used in medical settings for pain management, but its illicit production has posed significant public health risks.
Can You Buy Fentanyl? Legal and Illegal Avenues
The question of can you buy fentanyl involves various legal and illegal aspects:
- Prescription Access: Fentanyl is available legally but only through a doctor’s prescription. Medical professionals prescribe it for patients with severe pain issues.
- Illicit Purchases: It is possible to find fentanyl on the black market, but purchasing it in this manner is illegal and extremely dangerous.
- Form Variations: Fentanyl can be found in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions for medical use.
- If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home.
- Despite the lifesaving track records of these medications, their availability is limited by restrictions on where and how they can be used and inadequate numbers of prescribers.
- “It’s stronger than your willpower,” he said of the drug’s pull.
- They meet people where they are to provide an array of services in a safe, anonymous setting.
- The prevalence of fentanyl in the United States recreational drug supply has continued to increase since the mid-2000s, becoming the most frequently encountered opioid in the United States.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl Illegally
There are significant risks associated with attempting to buy fentanyl illegally:
- Health Risks: Without medical supervision, users face the danger of overdose, especially since illicit fentanyl often contains other unknown substances.
- Legal Ramifications: Buying or selling fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including prison time.
- Quality Control Issues: Illicit forms of fentanyl can vary vastly in potency, leading to unpredictable and potentially lethal consequences.
FAQs About Fentanyl
Is fentanyl safe for medical use?
When prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional, fentanyl can be safe and effective for managing acute and chronic pain.
What should I do if I suspect someone is using fentanyl?
If you suspect someone is misusing fentanyl, it’s crucial to intervene and seek professional help immediately.
How can fentanyl overdoses be reversed?
Opioid overdoses, including those involving fentanyl, can be reversed using naloxone (Narcan), which can restore normal breathing in individuals who have overdosed.
Conclusion
Understanding the implications of buying fentanyl is essential. Legal access comes with the supervision of healthcare providers, while illegal purchases pose serious health and legal risks. Awareness and education are key factors in combating misuse and promoting safe practices surrounding this potent substance.
