Won’t Allowing People To Test Their Drugs Encourage More Drug Use?
One way to keep people safe is to give them knowledge of what it is that they’re using. Fentanyl test strips are not a panacea, but they are a way for someone to know if fentanyl is present or not. If you take fentanyl without knowing it, you might get a much higher dose of opioids than your body can handle, putting you at risk for an overdose. They detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs you intend to use. In April 2021, CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced7 federal funding could be used to purchase FTS.
Future studies should distribute fentanyl test strips and follow up with people who use stimulants to determine their acceptability. Despite these limitations, this study also has several strengths. The vast majority of the sample did not regularly access services oriented towards people who use drugs and their voices are critical to develop overdose prevention strategies.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Sources
This makes it impossible for someone to know the strength or the mixture of substances in their drug product. IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon. Illicitly manufactured powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, or made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids. In its liquid form, illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be found in nasal sprays and eye drops, and it can be dropped onto paper or small candies.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is primarily used in medical settings for pain management, particularly in patients with severe pain or those undergoing surgical procedures.
We suggest calling ahead to confirm inventory and in the case of pharmacy access, request information about co-pay. CSU’s inclusive community designed to provide support for students on all paths and in all phases of recovery including substance use disorders, eating disorders, as well as process and other mental health disorders. In this training we discuss how to normalize addiction through patient-centered care to improve outcomes and reduce overdose deaths.
These barriers to use of fentanyl test strips was underscored by the recognition that structural factors outside of their control left them with few actions to take following a positive test strip result. This was often expressed as resignation, such as with Jamal (Black, man, 58, crack cocaine), who said “What happens is going to happen”. One participant was concerned about legal implications from using fentanyl test strips. One unanticipated theme, recognizing an FCS overdose, is also presented here. This fourth wave is particularly concerning because the demographic profile of opioid overdose deaths without the presence of stimulants differs from deaths from opioid overdose deaths involving both opioids and stimulants.
However, the illicit use of fentanyl has become a significant concern in public health due to its potential for overdose and addiction. If you are looking for information regarding where can you buy fentanyl, it is crucial to understand the legal and safety implications involved in obtaining this powerful drug.
Legitimate Sources of Fentanyl
Narcan, the most common form of Naloxone is absorbed through mucous membranes, which means it can be easily administered as a nasal spray and does not require active breathing to work. Crisis, after-hours and emergency care information for students. South Dakota just launched a marketing campaign to encourage the community to fight meth, but its slogan has drawn nationwide mockery on social media. Fentanyl test strips resemble COVID-19 at-home tests and will only cost $1. Prefer a confidential in-person session with a peer educator? SHOP has drop-in info sessions at the Student Health Center with the Party Safe Team.
In legitimate contexts, fentanyl is typically prescribed by medical professionals. Here are the primary legal avenues to obtain it:
Opioid prescribing by physicians decreased for the 13th consecutive year, but overdose deaths related to illicitly manufactured substances continue to increase. They may be selling cocaine and also selling opioids or fentanyl. If they’re doing that in their home, it’s not like being in a regulated laboratory where pharmaceutical drugs are being made, packaged, and distributed. 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.
- Prescription from a Licensed Medical Practitioner: Fentanyl can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
- Pharmacy: Once prescribed, the medication can be purchased at licensed pharmacies that stock it.
- Hospital Settings: Fentanyl may be administered to patients in hospitals specifically for acute pain management.
- While harm reduction strategies like Fentanyl test strips and Narcan are vital steps in treating drug addiction, the safest way to avoid an overdose is abstinence.
- Ideally, it’s best to use them every time you use, but it may not be realistic for everyone.
- Within minutes, a person can know whether the drug contains fentanyl.
- My hope is the test strips could become even more available so that someone could go to a drugstore, pharmacy, or convenience store and be able to purchase them.
- We want multiple touchpoints and multiple avenues for people to be able to empower themselves and stay safe.
Illicit Sources and Risks
The search for where can you buy fentanyl can often lead individuals to dangerous, illegal sources:
- Illicit Drug Dealers: Some individuals may attempt to purchase fentanyl from unregulated sources, which poses significant health risks due to inconsistent dosing and potential contaminants.
- Online Marketplaces: The internet has become a platform for illegal drug sales, including fentanyl. However, purchasing drugs online without a prescription is illegal and extremely risky.
Legal Implications
Acquiring fentanyl without a prescription or through illegal channels can lead to severe legal consequences, including:
- Criminal charges, including possession and trafficking.
- Fines and penalties.
- Long-term incarceration in some cases.
Health Risks
Using fentanyl from unregulated sources can result in:
- Overdose: Due to the potency of fentanyl, even a small miscalculation in dose can lead to life-threatening situations.
- Addiction: Fentanyl has a high potential for addiction, particularly when misused.
- Contaminants: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be mixed with harmful substances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you buy fentanyl over the counter?
A: No, fentanyl is a controlled substance and can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Q: What should I do if I need fentanyl for pain management?
A: Consult a medical professional who can evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A: Symptoms of an overdose may include difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and unresponsiveness. Seek emergency help immediately if these symptoms occur.
Conclusion
When searching for where can you buy fentanyl, it is vital to prioritize safety and legality. Always consult with healthcare professionals for appropriate guidance and treatment options, and avoid illegal channels that pose significant risks to your health and well-being.
