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Understanding Fentanyl
Purity is assessed on an individual drug basis and can be reported as a percent (%) or absolute weight (mg). Potency is defined by the strength of effects the drug product can have in humans. Potency relates the purity of all pharmacologically active constituents. Regardless of if there’s fentanyl, always take these precautions when using drugs. People all over Wisconsin are unknowingly taking drugs containing fentanyl and overdosing because the drugs look identical to what they are used to taking.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than morphine. Originally developed for medical use, it is commonly prescribed for the management of severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or after surgery.
Local Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs or OOPPs connect New Yorkers with naloxone, naloxone training, fentanyl test strips, and safe syringe access and disposal services. 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). In April 2021, CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced7 federal funding could be used to purchase FTS.
They can be used to test drugs for traces of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, allowing a person using drugs to know what they are putting into their body, and take the proper steps to prevent an overdose. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home. Naloxone temporarily knocks the opioids out of the opioid receptors in the brain, this will trigger normal breathing. However, depending on how much opioids the person has in their system, they could experience a second potentially fatal overdose because the naloxone wears off in about minutes. For this reason, we recommend the individual seek medical attention to ensure they are in the company of someone with additional naloxone in case a second overdose occurs.
However, due to its potency, fentanyl has become a major concern in the context of substance abuse, leading to many questions about its availability and legality.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 75,000 of the nearly 110,000 overdose deaths of 2022 could be linked to fentanyl.
- Most counterfeit pills resemble oxycodone 30mg pills (M30s), but they can also look like hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, and other medications.
- The information on this blog may be changed without notice and is not guaranteed to be complete, accurate, correct or up-to-date.
- It found 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
- 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.
- Last year, those objections helped derail an attempt by Rehder to make it legal to give away free needles to drug users in order to ensure they don’t catch or pass along infectious diseases.
Can You Buy Fentanyl?
The question, “can you buy fentanyl”, is complex and depends on various factors, including your location, the intended use, and applicable laws.
Harm reduction strategies to prevent overdoses vary a bit by the specific type of drug, but generally include using less, testing your drugs, using a less risky method of administration, and not using alone. For opioids, there is a medication that can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose. Fentanyl is the main driver of opioid overdose deaths in Washington state. In 2022, the drug was involved in 90% of fatal opioid overdoses in the state and 65% of all overdose deaths, according to the University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug and Alcohol Institute.
Future research is needed to determine if a higher level of concern about overdose will predict actual rapid test strip utilization or more consistent use patterns. Additional studies are also needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of using immunoassay tests on drugs directly and in real-world, non-clinical settings. Study follow-up is ongoing to determine whether, how, and under what circumstances participants used the rapid test strips and if a positive result contributed to changes in overdose risk behavior.
Xylazine mixed with fentanyl or other opioids can increase the chances for fatal overdose because both drugs slow and stop breathing. Fentanyl use can increase your risk of overdose, especially if you do not regularly use opioids. Anyone who uses drugs that may contain fentanyl, even occasionally, may be at risk of overdose. You can’t see, smell or taste fentanyl when it’s mixed with other drugs.
Legal Aspects
In many countries, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance. This means:
- Prescription Required: You can legally obtain fentanyl only with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Strict Regulations: Pharmacies must adhere to regulations regarding the dispensation of controlled substances, often requiring identification and medical justification.
- Illegal Possession: Attempting to purchase or possess fentanyl without a prescription can result in severe legal consequences.
Buying Fentanyl Illegally
Despite the legal restrictions, there is a black market for fentanyl. Some individuals may seek to purchase it through:
- Illicit Online Pharmacies: Websites that operate outside the legal framework often sell fentanyl, but these purchases are illegal and dangerous.
- Street Dealers: Fentanyl may also be found in illicit drugs sold on the street, often mixed with other substances.
This illegal acquisition poses numerous risks, including the potential for overdose and exposure to dangerous adulterants.
Risks Associated with Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is fraught with danger. Consider the following:
- Overdose Risk: Fentanyl is extremely potent; even a small amount can lead to overdose and death.
- Unknown Purity: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, leading to unpredictable effects.
- Addiction Potential: Regular use of fentanyl can lead to physical dependence and addiction, making it difficult to stop even when it is no longer needed for medical reasons.
FAQs on Buying Fentanyl
1. Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online from unregulated sources poses significant health risks and is illegal in most countries.
2. What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
If you have a prescription, take it to a licensed pharmacy. Ensure you understand the dosing and risks involved.
3. Can mental health issues influence fentanyl prescriptions?
Yes, healthcare providers often assess a patient’s mental health before prescribing opioids, including fentanyl, to mitigate addiction risks.
4. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs of an overdose may include:
- Unresponsiveness
- Weak or absent breathing
- Pale or blue-tinged skin
In case of an overdose, seek emergency help immediately.
Conclusion
While the question, “can you buy fentanyl”, may arise in various contexts, it is essential to approach this topic with caution. Legal considerations, health risks, and ethical implications must be at the forefront of any discussion around purchasing fentanyl. Always prioritize safety and legality in all healthcare decisions.
