Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
It is often prescribed for severe pain management, particularly after surgery or in advanced cancer treatment.
- In 2017, 59 percent of opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl compared to 14.3 percent in 2010.
- Schools and programs serving youth can be prepared for an opioid overdose by having naloxone available and providing training on how to administer it.
- When using drugs, start with a very small amount and go slow to test the strength.
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These small strips of paper react to even low levels of the substance in pills, powders, or injectable drugs. A positive result on the test strip alerts the individual to the presence of fentanyl in their drugs before ingestion. That way, they can make an informed decision about their drug use. Harm reduction strategies to prevent overdoses vary a bit by the specific type of drug, but generally include using less, testing your drugs, using a less risky method of administration, and not using alone. For opioids, there is a medication that can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose.
However, its potency also makes it a substance of high risk for overdose and dependency.
Can You Buy Fentanyl?
Participants were then provided with ten strips to take home and a printout of what a positive or negative result looked like. Participants also received resources which included fentanyl harm reduction suggestions, instructions on how to recognize an opioid overdose, and information on local resources. At the end of the study visit, participants were compensated $25 USD for their time. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used for treating severe pain and is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the United States are linked to illicitly made fentanyl.
The question of can you buy fentanyl raises complex legal and health implications.
In most places, fentanyl is a controlled substance, meaning it is illegal to buy without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
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. Cruelly, about one in every 25 of those deaths was a child 19 or younger, according to the latest data from the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard. In 2020, there were 812 overdose deaths in Wisconsin where illegally manufactured fentanyl was considered to be probable or suspected in contributing cause of death. Recognizing the value of fentanyl test strips in reducing the harms of drug use, Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation in March to allow the test strips to be used in Wisconsin.
Fentanyl powder is also being added to other street drugs to increase their potency. You can’t tell if fentanyl is in the drug you are about to use. The only way to be sure is to test street drugs for fentanyl. In 2016, drug overdose deaths exceeded 64,000 in the United States, driven by a sixfold increase in deaths attributable to illicitly manufactured fentanyl.
Sources of Fentanyl
He died in early 2017 from “acute fentanyl intoxication.” He had received a package from an online seller just 30 days before his death. The POD is open for one hour, but participants should plan for only a 15-minute window to complete the training during this hour. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is available through naloxone distribution centers at treatment providers in the state.
When asking can you buy fentanyl, consider the following legitimate medical avenues:
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. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is internationally synthesized in China, Mexico and India, then exported to the United States as powder or pressed pills. Rather, state and federal laws need to reflect a plan to reduce overdoses and death among drug users. The SAMHSA site contains a variety of additional resources for recovery support services, including information about opioid addiction and fentanyl.
- Prescription: Only through a licensed medical professional.
- Pharmacies: It can be obtained from licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription.
- Hospitals: Administered by healthcare professionals in medical settings.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl
Buying fentanyl from unregulated sources poses significant risks:
- Legal Issues: Obtaining fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.
- Health Hazards: The risk of overdose increases when purchasing from illegal sources, as the dosage may be unknown.
- Adulteration: Illegally sold fentanyl may be mixed with other harmful substances, increasing the danger.
FAQs About Fentanyl
1. What is fentanyl used for?
Fentanyl is used medically for treating severe pain, especially in cancer patients and post-operative patients.
2. Can you get fentanyl without a prescription?
No, it is illegal to obtain fentanyl without a prescription in most countries.
3. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs of overdose include shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, or inability to wake up.
Are Fentanyl Test Strips Legal?
4. How can you ensure safe use of fentanyl?
Only use fentanyl as prescribed by a healthcare provider and never share medication with others.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while the query can you buy fentanyl can lead to dangerous choices, it highlights the importance of understanding the legal and health ramifications associated with this potent opioid.
Always prioritize safety and legality by obtaining medications through proper medical channels.
