When Should Someone Be Concerned About Supply Issues And Counterfeit Prescription Drugs As It Relates To Fentanyl?
What some fail to recognize – especially young adults – is that is that most social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged by pushing content they believe the individual wants based on their activity on the platform. The algorithmic system that tracks users’ every move uses each click, search, like, and friend request to create a personalized feed for every user. Though algorithms were born out of platforms attempting to produce a list of recommended items to help users make decisions on content, it has arguably become much more complicated than just a short, tailored menu. For every click or search a user makes on their own, the algorithm spits back out recommended content based on assumptions of what other content is likely to entice the user to stay engaged. In this way, these algorithms are not designed to satisfy the user’s search; they are designed to keep users searching for more.
Earlier this year, the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations did a study of how easy it was to order fentanyl through the mail — essentially googling “buy fentanyl online” and then tracking the most responsive vendors. Researchers logged 500 online transactions with a street value of approximately $766 million. Those examples were on the standard web, there are additional portals to buy these products on the dark web, where traffic is much harder to track and trace. Our 2016 report, Anonymity Overdose, charted the connection between the opioid epidemic and the problem of anonymous shell companies. One such individual was a 49-year-old Ohioan who sent roughly $2,500 to an online seller over the course of 10 months—from May 2016 to February 2017. Over that time period, he received 15 packages through the Postal Service on dates that closely corresponded to payments he made to an online seller.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Online Availability
Testing every time before you use may not be enough, and some drugs like weed don’t need to be tested at all. The Works Program is a free, legal and anonymous harm reduction program that provides free supplies, disposal programs and referrals. Their goal is to reduce the rsiks of disease and overdose deaths across Boulder County communities. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event. Assume that any pill or drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy could contain fentanyl. This includes illicit drugs (cocaine, heroin, meth, etc.) as well as prescription medications (Xanax, Oxycodone, etc.).
The feds also shut down what prosecutors say were the Zheng’s 40 websites selling illegal drugs in 20 languages. We don’t know if their lab shut down, but the network has been, at least for now. Trained information specialists answer calls, transfer callers to state services or other appropriate intake centers in their states, and connect them with local assistance and support. If you live in King County you may be able to order free fentanyl test strips through an online order form.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is often prescribed for pain management. However, the drug is associated with a high risk of overdose and addiction, leading to serious public health concerns. With the increasing prevalence of the drug, many individuals find themselves asking, “can you buy fentanyl online?”
The Online Drug Market
Help and hope are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you are, or someone you know is, experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1. Naloxone is available in the form of a nasal spray, as well as an intramuscular injectable form. DDPHE distributes the intranasal spray naloxone under the brand name Narcan. Explore the information below to learn more and see what resources are available to the community. But we have to give them the hard facts and educate them about the truth.
How to get helpIf parents believe their child is experiencing social-emotional challenges or might already be using illicit substances, Dr. Bradshaw recommends they seek treatment from a trained mental health professional. They can start with their child’s or teen’s primary care doctor to discuss any concerns and determine what type of treatment might be appropriate. Young people in San Diego are not immune to the risk of drug use, overdose and death. In 2021, the San Diego County Medical Examiner reported 12 children under the age of 18 died from an accidental overdose — the youngest was just 13. Fentanyl test strips are an important tool for identifying fentanyl in a pill or powder, which can help prevent an opioid-involved overdose. The fentanyl test strips given away were packaged into kits including 10 strips, each with instructions on how to use them, a pocket-sized set of instructions with pictures, and information on fentanyl.
Fentanyl can also be found co-mingled either intentionally or unintentionally with other drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine. This is particularly dangerous as a person who uses stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine may be opioid naïve and at higher risk for overdose if they are exposed to fentanyl. IMF is sold through illicit drug markets in different forms, such as powder and liquid. It is commonly seen as a white powder and because it is cheap and potent, it is added to heroin or sold disguised as heroin. IMF can also come in liquid form, and might be sold as nasal sprays, eye drops or small candies.
These patches are administered for pain relief after a surgical procedure or during the late stages of cancer. These patches are used for illicit purposes by dismantling them to extract the powder fentanyl available in each. The estimated street value for a fentanyl patch is between $75-$100.
The internet has revolutionized many aspects of life, including how people access medications. Unfortunately, this also applies to controlled substances like fentanyl. The question arises:
- Legitimately: Are there legal means to purchase fentanyl online?
- Illegitimately: How prevalent is the illegal online purchase of fentanyl?
- With a recent increases in overdoses, drug field tests started turning up positive for street fentanyl.
- If used correctly, fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of the most common types of fentanyl in street drugs and pills.
- Still, experts always recommend administering naloxone if someone might be suffering from drug overdose.
Legal Pathways to Purchase Fentanyl
In order for individuals to buy fentanyl online legally, they must adhere to the following:
- Prescription Requirement: Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it is available only through a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
- Licensed Pharmacies: Only licensed pharmacies are authorized to dispense fentanyl. Many of these pharmacies now offer online services.
- Verification Procedures: Reputable online pharmacies will require verification of the prescription and other identification before selling fentanyl.
Illicit Online Purchases
It is extremely risky to purchase fentanyl through unregulated websites. Here’s why:
- Quality Control: There is no guarantee that the fentanyl sold on the dark web or illicit websites is real, properly manufactured, or safe.
- Legal Consequences: Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can result in serious legal penalties.
- Health Risks: Illegitimate fentanyl may contain dangerous additives or incorrect dosages leading to severe health risks and even overdose.
FAQs About Buying Fentanyl Online
1. Can I get fentanyl without a prescription?
No, fentanyl is only available with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
2. Are there safe online pharmacies for buying fentanyl?
Yes, but it’s essential to verify that they are licensed and follow the regulations of your country.
3. What are the risks of buying fentanyl online illegally?
Buying fentanyl illegally poses numerous risks including legal repercussions, health dangers from contaminated substances, and the potential for addiction.
4. How can I safely manage pain if I cannot obtain fentanyl?
Consult with a healthcare provider to explore alternative pain management options.
Conclusion
While the question of whether you can buy fentanyl online may seem straightforward, the reality is complex. Legal options exist but require a prescription and should be sourced from licensed pharmacies. Engaging in illegal purchases carries significant risks, not just from a legal standpoint, but also concerning health and safety. Always consult with a medical professional for guidance on pain management and use medications responsibly.
