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Students, staff, faculty and community members can also access resources outside the university. “We hope to set up forums, to share intelligence and information, and case cooperation and solve the drug crime fundamentally with international cooperation.” The Center offers a number of weekly ‘Living with HIV’ groups facilitated by mental health professionals from The Center’s Behavioral Health Services, as well as peer-to-peer led groups. Like Stepping Stone, Stepping Out offers the same level of support in an outpatient setting which is flexible and allows people to live in their own home. We partner with a number of local organizations to make sure Naloxone and test strips are available city-wide. Below are a few of our partners that are able to provide regular access to resources.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger than fentanyl, some weaker) are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will respond to naloxone if someone is overdosing. Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that has been used in clinical settings since 1968. Learn more about responding to suspected drug overdoses on OHA’s Naloxone Rescue for Opioid Overdose webpage (link).
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management. It is significantly more potent than morphine and is prescribed to patients with severe pain, often after surgery or for chronic pain conditions.
Most people in the U.S. use drugs, whether it’s caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine. They may be selling cocaine and also selling opioids or fentanyl. If they’re doing that in their home, it’s not like being in a regulated laboratory where pharmaceutical drugs are being made, packaged, and distributed. Even a little bit can get cross-contaminated if you’re using the same surface to cut, bag, or weigh a substance. It’s a tough thing to study, but as best as we can tell, it’s most likely unintentional. First, it’s important to know that fentanyl is tremendously potent.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
The primary medical applications of fentanyl include:
- Chronic pain management, especially in cancer patients
- Anesthesia for surgical procedures
- Pain relief in opioid-tolerant patients
An Off-Label Use Of Cheap Strips – To Test For Deadly Contaminants In Drugs – Gets The Backing Of Science
The presence of fentanyl both in counterfeit pills and in illicit street drugs poses a grave threat to the safety of teens and adults alike. Xylazine is being incorporated into the illicit drug supply and is now geographically spread throughout the United States. Xylazine has frequently been found mixed with opioids (including fentanyl) and stimulants (including methamphetamine and cocaine). Distributors in the US sell counterfeit pills on social media, appealing to a younger, more opioid naïve audience that use social media apps. Opioid naïve individuals are at high risk of accidental overdose because they do not have a tolerance for opioids, may not have access to naloxone, and may not know how to decrease overdose risk.
This makes it impossible for someone to know the strength or the mixture of substances in their drug product. IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used in clinical settings to treat severe pain. It can be found in the illicit drug market and is being mixed with other illicitly manufactured opioids like heroin, in pressed pills, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamines to increase their potency. Because of how potent it is, it can significantly increase the risk of overdose.
Used syringes can be exchanged for sterile ones at Brandywine Counseling locations throughout the state. Test strips, which detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs, are also available — fentanyl was involved in 85% of overdose deaths in 2022. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. The shadowy addition of fentanyl to the illegal drug supply sent deadly overdoses skyrocketing among users who were unaware they were using such a strong drug.
Can I Buy Fentanyl?
When contemplating the question, can I buy fentanyl, it is crucial to understand the legal and health ramifications associated with this substance.
Generally, fentanyl is a controlled substance, meaning its purchase and distribution are heavily regulated by governmental bodies to prevent misuse and abuse. Here are some key points to consider:
Legal Aspects of Purchasing Fentanyl
In most countries, fentanyl cannot be purchased over the counter due to the following reasons:
- Prescription Requirement: In many regions, a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional is necessary.
- Controlled Substance: Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug in the U.S., meaning it has a high potential for addiction and abuse.
- Illegal Markets: While some may seek to buy fentanyl through illegal channels or on the dark web, this poses significant risks, including exposure to counterfeit drugs.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl
Buying fentanyl from unregulated sources poses several risks:
- Health Risks: Inconsistent dosages and the potential presence of harmful additives can lead to overdose or severe health complications.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing or possessing fentanyl without a prescription can lead to criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment.
- Dependence and Addiction: Misuse of fentanyl increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder.
FAQs
Q: Can I buy fentanyl online?
A: Purchasing fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and extremely dangerous. It is advisable to avoid such sources.
Q: What should I do if I need fentanyl for pain management?
A: Consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your condition and determine if fentanyl is appropriate for your treatment plan.
Q: Are there alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
A: Yes, there are several alternatives available, including other opioids, non-opioid medications, and holistic approaches depending on the severity of pain and patient history.
Conclusion
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- In 2019, UCSF funded a successful pilot project to distribute fentanyl test strips to San Francisco veterans at the center.
- Offers support for people seeking recovery from drugs including opioids.
- One red line on top (closer to the yellow end) after waiting three minutes is a POSITIVE result for the presence of fentanyl.
- Doing so will equip people who use drugs with risk perceptions aligned with their specific drug practices – in other words, heighten perceived susceptibility while not inducing “fentanyl panic”.
- Others were concerned that because smoking fentanyl is easier and often more appealing than injecting it, it could result in more widespread use.
In summary, while many individuals may question, can I buy fentanyl, it is vital to approach this topic with caution. The potential for addiction, legal issues, and health risks makes it crucial to seek professional medical guidance rather than attempting to obtain this drug through illegal means.