Where Would You Like To Receive Your Naloxone?
Still, in some states, they continue to be illegal because they are considered “drug paraphernalia” under older drug laws. 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. Unlike injection drug users, she was abusing her doctor-prescribed fentanyl patches.
This makes evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as fentanyl test strips, safety planning, and access to safe supply more vital than ever. For years, China has been a primary source of fentanyl trafficked into the United States. It is a powerful prescription drug for severe pain that’s made and sold illegally. It led to more than 37,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2019, part of a national opioid crisis that has worsened this year during the coronavirus pandemic, according to federal health authorities. While there is more direct to customer traffic through the mail, many order synthetic opioids to distribute.
Anonymous shell companies make this work all-the-more difficult by providing essentially a getaway car for drug profits. They often contain fentanyl in potentially deadly amounts but are mislabeled as other opioids. The DEA sampled tablets seized nationwide between January and March 2019. It found 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Attempting to order fentanyl online from China came with a dose of customer service — complete with smiley face emoticons and an explanation of paying with bitcoin.
The Risks and Realities of Buying Fentanyl Online
A representative admitted, however, that searches for fentanyl could return results. “It does happen that sellers and buyer create new ways to make deals on our site, but Weiku is not able to discover this right away.” The firm said it did weekly inspections. “As an information platform, Weiku needs to make sure all information is legal, but we are not accountable for the transactions,” it said. Ventura County Behavioral Health and its contractors do not promote the use of illegal substances. The Sheriff’s Office will use K9’s at schools if there isa specific incident where drugs are suspected, and an investigation has been initiated.
In August 2019, more than three months after China’s class ban, the U.S. government issued an advisory warning federal agencies of continued shipments of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, including via the U.S. The Treasury Department has also used bank data to identify fentanyl vendors. In 2019, the department sanctioned three Chinese nationals accused of trafficking the synthetic opioids. In an interview with NPR, however, Chen categorically denied that he manufactures or sells any illegal substances. Nearly 35,000 Americans died of heroin or opioid overdoses in 2015, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- What’s dangerous is illicit opioids – those not prescribed by a doctor but illicitly manufactured in a lab – and sold by drug dealers, often on the internet.
- This characteristic not only magnifies its impact but also reduces the overall quantity of raw materials required in its synthesis.
- A salesperson at a different company, Shunwei Biological, based in Shijiazhuang, said in May that it was still selling two fentanyl precursors and a range of synthetic cannabinoids to customers in the United States.
- Wisconsin residents can request free fentanyl test strips by mail through NEXT Distro.
Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that has been used in clinical settings since 1968. This process is rarely instantaneous; respiratory depression can last over the course of minutes to several hours after the drug was used until a person stops breathing completely. This means there is usually time to intervene between when an overdose starts and the person’s death. I’ve had a few people who quit using stimulants after using testing strips because they could not get any drugs that didn’t have fentanyl; their drugs were always testing positive for fentanyl. Most fentanyl test strips are between 96% to nearly 100% accurate in detecting the presence of even small amounts of fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, often in patients with chronic pain conditions or after surgery. However, its high potential for addiction and overdose has led to a significant increase in illicit use. Many individuals may wonder, “can I buy fentanyl online?”
Fentanyl test strips aren’t perfect, but most people find them easy to use. The best way to use them is to dissolve all the drugs you plan to use in water. Fentanyl might not be everywhere evenly in your product, so if you only test a portion of your supply you might end up missing it.
The Attraction of Online Purchases
Buying drugs online can be appealing for several reasons:
- Convenience: Shopping from home is easier than visiting a pharmacy or street dealer.
- Anonymity: Online transactions may offer a sense of privacy.
- Accessibility: Individuals might find it easier to obtain substances that are not legally prescribed to them.
One of the nation’s leading opioid/fentanyl experts lays out the drug’s evolution and why it came to be used in counterfeit prescription drugs. Access this directory of Washington State syringe exchange programs. Please note that all syringe exchange programs also provide overdose prevention and response training and naloxone distribution. Due to its synthetic manufacturing process, fentanyl carries a relatively standard level of potency. What determines the purity of the final product are the other substances mixed in with the fentanyl. The most common way to determine the potency of each substance is to use a small amount and see what effect it has.
The Dangers of Purchasing Fentanyl Online
While the allure of acquiring fentanyl over the internet may be strong, the risks are significant:
- Illegality: Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions.
- Quality: Illicitly purchased fentanyl may be counterfeit or mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Scams: Many websites claiming to sell fentanyl might be fraudulent, leading to financial loss or receiving dangerous substances.
Consequences of Buying Fentanyl Online
Engaging in the practice of buying fentanyl online can lead to several adverse outcomes:
- Legal repercussions: Possession and distribution of controlled substances without a prescription can lead to criminal charges.
- Health risks: Misusing fentanyl can result in respiratory failure, overdose, and death.
- Addiction: Exposure to potent opioids can quickly lead to dependency and addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to buy fentanyl legally online?
No, purchasing fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal in most places. Legitimate online pharmacies require a prescription.
2. What should I do if I or someone I know is struggling with fentanyl addiction?
Seeking professional help through addiction treatment centers or healthcare providers can be crucial. Support groups and counseling are also beneficial.
3. Are there legal alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
Yes, there are various pain management options available legally, including other prescription medications and non-pharmaceutical therapies.
Conclusion
While the internet may provide avenues to acquire substances like fentanyl, the significant risks and potential consequences heavily outweigh any perceived benefits. It is vital to approach pain management through legitimate medical means rather than unsafe online purchases. Understanding the implications of “can I buy fentanyl online” is crucial for making informed and safe choices.
