Fentanyl Key Facts
Understanding the Illicit Market: Do People Buy Fentanyl?
If you are interested in learning about fentanyl and fentanyl test strips, or your organization is distributing fentanyl test strips in the community, register for an upcoming training below. Please note the Health Department does not supply fentanyl test strips to training attendees. The Works Program is a free, legal and anonymous harm reduction program that provides free supplies, disposal programs and referrals. Their goal is to reduce the rsiks of disease and overdose deaths across Boulder County communities. Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that can be used to temporarily reverse opioid overdoses. Naloxone is typically administered through a nasal spray, but it also comes in an injectable from.
For more information on what the administration is doing to combat the opioids crisis visit CDC’s Opioid page. For more information on what the administration is doing to combat the opioids crisis visit crisisnextdoor.gov. When someone is caught in addiction, it is hard for them to initiate change and find help on their own. Carruthers encourages families to look for resources and provide support and encouragement to their loved ones. Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, crystalline powder that was developed early in the 20th century from its parent, amphetamine, and was originally used in nasal decongestants and inhalers.
The question of do people buy fentanyl raises significant concerns about substance abuse and the ongoing opioid crisis. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is often discussed in the context of illegal drug trade and addiction.
What is Fentanyl?
If you need fentanyl test strips for personal use, you can find a list of community organizations that provide them at no cost below. You can also find test strips at some of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs on this list. If you’ve used fentanyl or other substances in the past and have recently experienced a period of sobriety, your tolerance for the drug has likely decreased. If you choose to use again, be mindful of potential changes in drug potency and start with a smaller dose than you might have used in the past. These strategies can help you avoid an accidental overdose or other unwanted experiences.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, particularly in patients undergoing surgery or those with chronic pain conditions. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Illicit Use of Fentanyl
Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, equal to 10 to15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose. As mentioned above, many drug dealers mix the cheaper fentanyl with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine to increase their profits, making it often difficult to know which drug is causing the overdose. Naloxone is a medicine that can treat a fentanyl overdose when given right away. It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioid drugs.
They have different jobs, some gathering information to control organ functions, others emotions or moods. But it can also be distilled and blended to produce a fine powder that can be easily added to other drugs. Multiple entities, academic institutions and governing bodies, design legislation to regulate the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl and other such drugs. After calling 911, place any unconscious person in the recovery position while you wait for help to arrive. This allows any bodily fluids to drain out of the mouth and nose, reducing the risk of aspiration and asphyxiation.
Despite its legitimate medical applications, fentanyl is commonly misused and sold illegally. The following factors contribute to its illicit market:
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 82% of opioid overdose deaths in 2020 involved illegally manufactured synthetic opioids, namely fentanyl and fentanyl analogues such as carfentanil [2]. Fentanyl has steadily moved westward in the USA during the past decade [3]; its presence began rising in California in 2017, and fentanyl was involved in 88% of opioid overdose deaths by 2022 [4]. In Alameda County, CA, where this study was conducted, fentanyl-related overdoses began to rise in 2019 and reached an age-adjusted rate of 12/100,000 by 2022.
- High Potency: Users often seek fentanyl due to its strength, which can enhance the effects of other drugs.
- Low Cost: Illicit fentanyl is often cheaper than prescription opioids, making it more accessible to those seeking drugs.
- Adulteration: Dealers frequently mix fentanyl with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, increasing the risks of overdose.
The first drug-sniffing dogs were put into service in the mid-1960s and are now regularly seen in cargo terminals, airports, mail delivery and sorting centers, and even schools. Campaign materials have been sent out to local municipalities, schools, and other organizations who can extend the reach of the campaign’s message even further. A 30-second PSA was created to start airing on airwaves and social platforms to have an even greater impact. Below you will find the commercial and the Fentanyl is Fatal campaign materials for distribution along with social media messages you can use on your networks to help spread the message. Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.
Why Do People Buy Fentanyl Illegally?
Understanding the motivations behind the illegal purchase of fentanyl can shed light on the broader issues of drug addiction:
- Addiction: Many individuals turn to fentanyl in search of relief from physical or emotional pain.
- Peer Pressure: Social influences can lead users to experiment with fentanyl and other opioids.
- Desperation: Those struggling with chronic pain may resort to the illegal market when prescribed medications are insufficient.
Health Risks Associated with Fentanyl Use
Using fentanyl, especially from unregulated sources, poses serious health risks:
- As emerging new compounds appear on the market, nontargeted testing can be aided with LC-HRMS (liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry).
- Real-world observations suggest that long-term use of fentanyl may have both mental and physical effects.
- Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Deaths from stimulants laced with fentanyl represents the “fourth wave” of the U.S. overdose crisis, according to the research team behind the new study.
- Overdose: Due to its potency, even a small amount of fentanyl can lead to fatal respiratory depression.
- Tolerance and Dependence: Users may quickly develop a tolerance, leading to increased requirements and dependence.
- Cognitive Impairment: Long-term use can impair cognitive functions and lead to mental health issues.
FAQs About Fentanyl
1. Is fentanyl legal?
Fentanyl is legal when prescribed by a medical professional but is considered illegal when obtained through illicit channels.
2. How is fentanyl sold illegally?
Illegally sold fentanyl often comes in various forms, such as powder or counterfeit pills, and can be found on the dark web or through street dealers.
3. What can be done to curb fentanyl abuse?
Efforts to combat fentanyl abuse include increased regulation of prescription opioids, education on the dangers of fentanyl, and improved access to addiction treatment services.
4. What should I do if I suspect someone is using fentanyl?
If you suspect someone is using fentanyl, encouraging them to seek professional help can be crucial. Early intervention is key to overcoming addiction.
In conclusion, the question do people buy fentanyl is indicative of broader issues relating to opioid addiction and the public health crisis surrounding it. The consequences of this trend pose significant risks not only to users but also to communities at large.
