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Fentanyl deaths are rising quickly for young people in WA State. Learn more about law enforcement and overdose response here.
These trends are also available by county and zip code on the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard. According to data provided to WW by Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications, overdose and poisoning made up 6.1% of all medical calls in the first half of 2023. That’s a jump from 3.9% in the later half of 2021, the oldest comparable data due to a shift in BOEC bookkeeping. First, he explains, avoid “blues,” the pills that are stamped to look like prescription OxyContin. The sale and use of opioids in downtown Portland is a perennial story, featured on the cover of WW since the 1970s, when the Rose City became a heroin hot spot. What’s different about the fentanyl market is the potency of its product.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Risks
“China White” is likely to be α-Methylfentany – a powerful fentanyl analog – yet it can be hard to establish its composition as traffickers use a range of chemicals based on what they can source pre-production. If you inject drugs, you should try to test every time you inject. The easiest method is to test the residue from your spoon or cooker. You can use a micro scoop and a bottle cap to test a portion of your drugs. A standard plastic bottle cap holds approximately one teaspoon (5 ml) of water when almost full. Last July, he said, there were thousands of listings for fentanyl and its analogues on AlphaBay, a darknet site that was shut down by law enforcement.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management, particularly for patients with severe pain or those who are tolerant to other opioids. However, it is also notorious for its potential for abuse and overdose.
Opioids slow down the activity of the central nervous system. This can dangerously slow or stop breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally.
Before considering where can I buy fentanyl, it is crucial to understand the implications, legality, and risks involved in purchasing or using this substance.
It is often contained in illicit drugs without the user’s knowledge. It may be laced into other illegal street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fake opioid pills, or methamphetamine (“meth”). It is relatively cheap to make and allows an illicit drug manufacturer to stretch their product, make it more powerful and addictive, and gain more money for themselves.
Individuals who misuse stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines) may be unknowingly exposing themselves to fentanyl, and as a result, become especially vulnerable to overdosing. Counterfeit pills, such as “blue oxys” and fake Xanax, have become increasingly available and are commonly laced with fentanyl. It can be used to save the life of someone experiencing a fentanyl-related overdose.
Legality of Fentanyl
BTNX Fentanyl Test Strip Kit (Liquid/Powder) – Pack Of 5 Tests
In many countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it can only be obtained through a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and poses significant risks, including legal penalties and the potential for overdose.
The campaign raises awareness of some of the dangers of illegal drugs, and provides an opportunity to take harm-reducing steps. Talk to your doctor about having naloxone on hand if you or a loved one is prescribed opioid medication. Pain is real and can seriously impact the quality of your life. How you manage your pain is important to think about because these choices can also impact your health and well-being. Mr. Hendricks, who has a 1-year-old daughter, said he suspected that fentanyl was being added to his crack to make the drug more addictive and even harder to quit.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Legally?
Given the legal restrictions, the legitimate avenues for obtaining fentanyl include:
- Medical Prescription: The safest and legal way to obtain fentanyl is through a prescription from a healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation.
- Pharmacies: Licensed pharmacies fill prescriptions for fentanyl approved by medical professionals.
- Hospitals: In cases of severe pain management, hospitals may administer fentanyl directly.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl from Unauthorized Sources
Purchasing fentanyl from unregulated or unauthorized sources, such as online marketplaces or street dealers, carries significant dangers:
- Contamination: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other harmful substances.
- Dosage Uncertainty: Without proper labeling, the dosage may be inaccurate, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Legal Consequences: Buying fentanyl illegally can result in serious legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I buy fentanyl online?
A: Buying fentanyl online is risky and often illegal unless from a verified pharmacy with a prescription. Be wary of counterfeit drugs when purchasing online.
Q: What should I do if I need fentanyl for pain?
A: Consult a healthcare professional to discuss your pain management needs and obtain a legitimate prescription if appropriate.
Q: What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
- The pilot paved the way for similar projects at other Veteran Affairs’ centers nationwide.
- Well, because we have this unregulated supply, the end user is basically powerless over the drug supply.
- Harm reduction experts also recommend rolling the person who has overdosed onto their side with their top knee bent, in the recovery position.
- With a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be administered.
A: Symptoms include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Seek emergency medical help if these symptoms occur.
Conclusion
Understanding where can I buy fentanyl is essential for making informed decisions. Always prioritize safety, legality, and health by consulting with a medical professional before considering any use of this potent drug. The risks associated with unregulated purchases far outweigh any perceived benefits.
