Understanding Fentanyl and Its Sources
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid related to the phenylpiperidines that is commonly used for moderate to severe pain relief. If you need fentanyl test strips for personal use, you can find a list of community organizations that provide them at no cost below. You can also find test strips at some of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs on this list. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.
In 2020, over 80% of the fentanyl police confiscated with in tablet form. Police evidence that looked like black tar heroin actually was heroin in 95% of cases, suggesting that fentanyl was rarely in “heroin” in 2020. And many times, people will take the drug without realizing it. Fentanyl is mixed with other drugs (including heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine) to increase potency, and sometimes it is sold as powders or pills made to look like legitimate prescription drugs, the U.S. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs that cause overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fentanyl Is A Synthetic Opioid That Is
Even a little bit can get cross-contaminated if you’re using the same surface to cut, bag, or weigh a substance. Someone may be buying what they think is cocaine or a benzodiazepine pill, but there could be small amounts of fentanyl present. That is incredibly risky and puts them at great risk of overdose. Our peer parent coaches have weighed in on the topic of encouraging their loved ones to use test strips. They know how deadly fentanyl can be, in some cases having lost their children to overdoses. By far and away, they view this as a much-needed safety measure to reduce the risks of overdose and death.
Xylazine test strips (XTS) are small strips of paper that can be placed within a personal sample of drugs to detect the presence of xylazine. Such strips may be used to inform decisions about drug use practices; for example, upon receiving a positive test result, an individual may opt to not use the drugs or use them in a less risky manner. Xylazine may be mixed in with other illicit drugs for several reasons, including increasing drug weight or adding an effect. People who use drugs may not be aware of the presence of xylazine in their drug product.
UC San Francisco Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor in Clinical Pharmacy Tessa Rife-Pennington, PharmD, BCGP, works at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and with UCSF’s Addiction Research Program. In 2019, UCSF funded a successful pilot project to distribute fentanyl test strips to San Francisco veterans at the center. The pilot paved the way for similar projects at other Veteran Affairs’ centers nationwide. A single colored line is a positive result, meaning fentanyl is present and you shouldn’t consume the drug.
Raudales-Escalante has been arrested a half-dozen times in Multnomah County just in the last year, mainly for selling fentanyl, and parts of his life story can be pieced together through court interviews. His primary language is Spanish, and he spoke to authorities through an interpreter. They arrived downtown over the winter, on standup scooters wearing matching backpacks. Portland police believe they are dispatched from suburban safe houses, distributing fentanyl produced with Chinese chemicals in superlabs operated by Mexican drug cartels and shipped up the Interstate 5 corridor. First, the drug trade moved to the parking lot outside Dante’s.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used medically to treat severe pain. It is significantly stronger than morphine and can be life-threatening when misused. As a result, knowing where do you buy fentanyl is crucial, especially given the risks involved.
Legal Sources of Fentanyl
Legitimate purchases of fentanyl should always be made through the following channels:
- Pharmacies: Fentanyl is available by prescription only. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
- Hospitals: Medical facilities may administer fentanyl to patients who require pain management.
- Licensed Clinics: Pain management clinics may provide fentanyl as part of a treatment plan.
Risks of Unauthorized Purchase
Many individuals may wonder where do you buy fentanyl outside of legal channels. However, this can lead to serious consequences:
- Illegal drug markets: Fentanyl is often available on the black market, posing significant health risks.
- Contamination: Illicitly obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, increasing the danger.
- Legal repercussions: Buying fentanyl without a prescription can result in criminal charges.
How to Safely Use Fentanyl
If prescribed fentanyl, it is essential to use it safely:
- Follow the prescription: Always adhere to your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and usage.
- Store safely: Keep fentanyl out of reach of children and properly dispose of unused medication.
- Avoid combination: Do not mix fentanyl with alcohol or other drugs without consulting a healthcare provider.
FAQs about Fentanyl
Q: What is fentanyl used for?
A: Fentanyl is primarily used for pain management, particularly in patients with severe pain or those undergoing surgery.
- Fentanyl mixed (adulterated) with xylazine has been declared an emerging drug threat (link) by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy.
- This indicates issues with the content and presentation of OEND material.
- Implications for overdose prevention and initiating treatment with medications for opioid use disorder are described.
- Visit NEXT Distro to request that naloxone be mailed directly to your home.
Q: Can you buy fentanyl online?
A: Purchasing fentanyl online is illegal and highly dangerous. It is vital to obtain it through a licensed medical provider.
Q: What should I do if I suspect an overdose?
A: Seek emergency medical assistance immediately if you suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl.
Understanding where do you buy fentanyl is crucial for safety and legality. Always prioritize health and follow legal guidelines when seeking medication.
