Opioid Data & Resources
It only takes a few minutes to use fentanyl test strips so people can make informed choices for safer use. One man from West Philly even shared that he overdosed from taking a pill he thought was Percocet but happened to contain fentanyl. Fentanyl is often added to heroin prior to distribution to increase potency (Hempstead & Yildirim, 2014). In drug markets in the northeastern United States in particular, drugs sold in powder form as heroin largely contain fentanyl or are entirely fentanyl (O’Donnell, Gladden, Goldberger, Mattson, & Kariisa, 2020).
Understanding Fentanyl
While California has made some positive strides in the fight against opioids (the latest data show that prescriptions in the state are down), deaths from one particularly powerful opioid, fentanyl, are up. Harm reduction is a practical approach to keeping people safe. The approach aims to protect people who are engaged in higher-risk behaviour while at the same time, supporting them towards treatment and recovery. It comes in both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical forms. He decided to seek out something that would be both safer and cheaper.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used medically to treat severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or after surgery. However, due to its potency, it has become a significant concern in the context of substance abuse and the opioid epidemic.
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.
Any opioid pill not from a pharmacy is highly likely to be fake and contain fentanyl. It’s Not Your Fault (NACoA) (PDF | 12 KB)Assures teens with parents who abuse alcohol or drugs that, “It’s not your fault!” and that they are not alone. Encourages teens to seek emotional support from other adults, school counselors, and youth support groups such as Alateen, and provides a resource list.
We want to meet people where they’re at today with their drug use so that we can keep them with us and build that trust. Then, if and when they want to change their use – maybe stop, reduce or switch to a safer drug – we’re here for them. Some people may also prefer to take an “upper” like cocaine or methamphetamine mixed with a “downer” like fentanyl for the combined effects. The AMA Update covers a range of health care topics affecting the lives of physicians and patients. Learn more about what xylazine is and how physicians can help combat its threat. Satisfy the new eight-hour MATE Act training requirement on treating patients with opioid or other substance use disorders with CME from AMA Ed Hub™.
This product, referred to as fentanyl-adulterated and/or fentanyl-substituted heroin (FASH), has largely driven the third wave of the opioid overdose crisis (Ciccarone, 2019). These agencies are receiving fentanyl test strip packages directly from the manufacturer. Each package contains one fentanyl test strip and instructions on how to use it. The participating organizations are handing out the packages at no cost. The powerful opioid fentanyl has been found in everything from methamphetamine and cocaine to marijuana and fake Adderall pills. Nearly 6,000 Californians died from fentanyl overdoses in 2021 alone.
Where Can You Buy Fentanyl?
“The best thing my husband ever did for me was ask for a divorce,” Greenwell said. “And he knows that. It saved my life because he was loving me to death.” It’s often said that addiction does not discriminate and Greenwell is a living example. She smiled after finishing her sentence, not over what she did, but acknowledging how out of control and ridiculous her life had become.
The question of where can you buy fentanyl is complex, as it can be obtained legally through prescription or illicitly from various sources.
Legal Channels
Fentanyl can be purchased legally under the following circumstances:
- Prescription from a Licensed Physician: Patients suffering from severe pain may receive a prescription for fentanyl patches, lozenges, or injections.
- Pharmacy: Licensed pharmacies can dispense fentanyl products to individuals with a valid prescription.
- Medical Facilities: Hospitals and clinics may administer fentanyl to patients in need, particularly in surgical or intensive care settings.
Illicit Channels
Unfortunately, fentanyl is also available through illegal means, including:
- Drug Dealers: Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, leading users to purchase it unknowingly.
- Online Markets: Some illicit websites offer fentanyl for sale, often operating in a hidden or encrypted environment.
- Street Sales: In certain areas, fentanyl is sold on the street, frequently disguised among other substances.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
Purchasing fentanyl outside of a medical framework carries significant risks:
- The word “overdose” has sometimes carried a moral judgment that the individual was “pushing their limits” in order to get as high as possible, as if it were their own fault.
- Talk to your doctor about having naloxone on hand if you or a loved one is prescribed opioid medication.
- In 2020, 1,580 New Yorkers died from a fentanyl-involved overdose.
- Since 2019, 134,280 doses of NARCAN® have been distributed at no cost through community agencies to people who use opioids or drugs that could be mixed with opioids, and their families and friends.
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- High Potency: Even a tiny amount can cause overdose or death, especially when mixed with other substances.
- Contaminants: Illicit fentanyl may be mixed with other dangerous substances, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
- Legal Consequences: Buying or possessing fentanyl without a prescription can lead to criminal charges.
FAQs
Is fentanyl available over the counter?
No, fentanyl is not available over the counter and requires a prescription due to its potential for abuse and overdose.
What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
You should only obtain fentanyl from licensed pharmacies and take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
How can I recognize fentanyl abuse among friends or family?
Signs may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, slow or difficult breathing, or withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.
What are safer alternatives to manage severe pain?
Consult your physician for alternatives such as non-opioid pain relievers, physical therapy, or other treatments appropriate for your condition.
What should I do if I suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl?
Call emergency services immediately and, if available, administer naloxone (Narcan) to reverse the effects of the overdose.
In conclusion, understanding where can you buy fentanyl and the associated risks is crucial for making informed decisions regarding its use and preventing the dangers associated with opioid misuse.
