What Action Should You Take If You Suspect Someone Has Overdosed On Fentanyl?
Understanding the Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
But unlike heroin, which requires the poppy plant, fentanyl is a synthetic drug that’s easy to make with the right precursor ingredients. Prescription fentanyl has been around for years, intended for chronic severe pain, trauma and cancer patients. Brand names include Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze where the drug is administered through a patch, injection or lollipop. County Department of Health, accidental fentanyl deaths increased 1,652% between 2016 and 2022.
Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate pain and may produce a pleasurable effect on the brain and body. A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery. Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences. The sale of drugs on social media apps – and other illegal activity perpetrated on these platforms – is nothing new and has long been on the radar of policymakers.
The availability of fentanyl on the internet raises serious safety and legal concerns. Before considering any online purchase, it is crucial to comprehend the risks involved.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. While it is prescribed for severe pain management, it is also associated with a high risk of overdose and addiction.
Aiding someone battling drug addiction requires striking a balance between supportive gestures and enabling behavior. Establishing healthy boundaries might involve refusing financial aid that supports their habit or not allowing substance misuse within your home environment. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates that obtaining a kilogram (roughly 2.2 pounds) of powdered fentanyl from China could cost a few thousand dollars. But once this powder is converted into hundreds of thousands of pills, the street value could soar into the millions of dollars.
Additionally, Thomas Bills provided a URL to the website for people to purchase the carfentanil powder. However, on April 24, 2022, Flickr user Mark Emilio uploaded a photo of a vial supposedly containing fentanyl. With the image, Emilio wrote, “Buy Fentanyl Online,” and provided a URL on the open web to purchase the lethal drug.
ICE hosted a press conference March 16 with acting ICE Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Thomas D. Homan and several elected officials from the state. “Usually by the time somebody is transitioning to fentanyl, they’re already needing to use pretty consistently throughout the day to feel normal, to not be in withdrawal,” Kast said. “As they’re progressing to fentanyl, they’re gonna have to use it more often in order to manage that withdrawal.”
- The information on this site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
- Some drug users told VICE World News that because fentanyl is the dominant street opioid, prescription heroin and other medical alternatives are not enough to keep their withdrawal and cravings at bay.
- Our Research and Investigations Team also focuses on identifying new ways vendors use to disguise the trade of such illicit goods.
- The staggering increase in drug overdose deaths has been driven largely by the high prevalence of potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, in the U.S. drug supply.
Fentanyl use can increase your risk of overdose, especially if you do not regularly use opioids. Anyone who uses drugs that may contain fentanyl, even occasionally, may be at risk of overdose. Much like on conventional markets, factors that can impact fentanyl’s street value include supply, demand, and quality (2). As manufacturers and dealers develop the reputation of being a dependable supplier with high quality products, they are able to increase their prices. Another factor determining availability and price is ease of access. With different parts of the world having a wide variety of trade and postal service regulations, fentanyl prices will increase and decrease based on each of these and the ability for suppliers to navigate them.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
“All must go till 1 of July,” the “special offer” read, according to the report. The ease with which the drug can be ordered online by Americans is difficult for law enforcement officials to combat. Take the same steps as you would with any suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone can reverse a fentanyl overdose, although in some cases it may take more doses because fentanyl is so potent. You should also call 911, just like for any medical emergency, so extra help is on the way. Fentanyl overdose often comes on much faster and stronger than a typical opioid overdose.
- Legal Issues: Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions.
- Quality Control: There is no guarantee of the quality or potency of the fentanyl bought online, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Scams: Many websites may be fraudulent, resulting in financial loss and no product being delivered.
- Health Risks: Using illicit fentanyl can lead to severe health complications, including respiratory failure.
Steps to Take if Considering Online Purchase
If you are still considering buying fentanyl online despite the risks, follow these steps carefully:
- Consult a Doctor: Discuss your situation with a healthcare professional for safe pain management alternatives.
- Research: Look for reputable online pharmacies that require a prescription and verify their credentials.
- Read Reviews: Check customer feedback and ratings to gauge the trustworthiness of the website.
- Verify Contact Information: Ensure the pharmacy has a valid phone number and physical address for communication.
- Look for Licenses: Confirm that the pharmacy is licensed and regulated by the appropriate authorities.
- Proceed with Caution: If you choose to purchase, do so with an understanding of the potential consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy fentanyl online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal in many countries, including the United States.
What should I do if I suspect someone is abusing fentanyl?
It is important to approach the situation with care. Encourage them to seek help and inform a healthcare provider or addiction specialist.
How can I ensure my safety if I consider buying fentanyl?
The best way to ensure safety is to avoid purchasing fentanyl online and consult with a healthcare professional for legal and safe alternatives.
Conclusion
Buying fentanyl online is fraught with risks that can lead to serious legal and health consequences. It is always recommended to seek professional medical advice instead of resorting to online purchases, which could endanger your well-being.
