Treatments For Opioid And Fentanyl Misuse
They might be taking stronger opioids than their bodies are used to and can be more likely to overdose. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States. In 2017, 59 percent of opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl compared to 14.3 percent in 2010. Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Offers support for people seeking recovery from crystal meth addiction. Offers support for people seeking recovery or support from alcoholism. Too many people in our community are disproportionately affected by substance use disorder.
- The purpose of this study was to determine whether young adults who use drugs were willing to use rapid test strips as a harm reduction intervention to prevent overdose.
- Before using, wash or sanitize your hands and any surfaces used to prepare the drugs.
- Chest rigidity has been seen in some fentanyl-related overdoses and this causes the individual to stop breathing immediately.
- People who use substances are at a high risk of overdose if they unknowingly consume fentanyl or take it in larger amounts than they are used to.
Around them, a few people openly injected dope, as an occasional pedestrian threaded past. In New York, fentanyl test strips are becoming more common as a way to fight an overdose crisis, and more states are pushing to legalize them. As part of our harm reduction plan at UCSC Student Health Services, SHOP and the Cove have partnered to provide Naloxone and Fentanyl Testing Strips (FTS) to our students. Our aim is to keep students safe and reduce the risk of overdose death. Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips are available confidentially and at no cost. 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.
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Understanding Fentanyl: Access and Risks
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, used primarily in medical settings for pain management. Its strength can be significantly greater than that of morphine, which leads to both its clinical use and its potential for misuse.
Others were concerned that because smoking fentanyl is easier and often more appealing than injecting it, it could result in more widespread use. And there’s no data to suggest that smoking fentanyl reduces the risk for fatal overdoses. In medical settings, fentanyl is used to treat patients in severe pain, such as people just out of surgery. Fentanyl skin patches are sometimes prescribed for severe pain for use at home.
And yet as a concept, it’s gotten attached to these misperceptions. 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. 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.
Studies have shown that fentanyl test strips can increase awareness and lead to safety precautions to help prevent an overdose. A lethally potent drug is driving the rapid rise in overdose deaths, killing thousands of people who don’t even know they’ve taken it. 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. The kits also included a NEXT Distro card, which is a mail-based program where people can receive free Narcan and fentanyl test strips. Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping.
Can You Buy Fentanyl?
The question can you buy fentanyl is complex and context-dependent. Below are some important considerations regarding its purchase:
Because fentanyl is unable to be detected by sight, taste, smell, or touch, people taking drugs not purchased from a licensed pharmacy should always use fentanyl test strips. Fentanyl test strips do not provide information about the amount or strength of fentanyl in a drug supply. Please help keep our LGBTQ community safe by learning about fentanyl.
- Medical Prescription: Fentanyl is available legally only through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. This is typically for individuals with severe pain who do not respond to other pain medications.
- Illegal Market: Outside of legal medical use, buying fentanyl from illicit sources is dangerous and illegal. These substances can be counterfeit and pose serious health risks.
Legal Considerations
In many countries, including the United States, the sale and distribution of fentanyl is strictly regulated. Penalties for illegally buying or selling fentanyl can include:
- Criminal charges, which may lead to fines and imprisonment.
- Severe legal consequences for both users and those who distribute fentanyl illegally.
Risks Associated with Buying Fentanyl
Engaging in the purchase of fentanyl from unauthorized sources carries numerous risks:
- Overdose Risk: Due to the potency of fentanyl, even a small amount can lead to fatal overdose.
- Adulteration: Illicitly obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
- Health Complications: Misuse can lead to dependency, addiction, and other health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can fentanyl be prescribed for chronic pain?
A1: Yes, fentanyl is often prescribed for patients experiencing severe chronic pain, especially when other treatments have failed.
Q2: Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
A2: No, purchasing fentanyl online from unauthorized sources is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Q3: What should I do if I have concerns about fentanyl?
A3: Consult a healthcare professional for advice. They can provide guidance on pain management options.
Q4: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A4: Signs include slowed or difficult breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Conclusion
In summary, while buying fentanyl through legitimate channels is possible with a prescription, engaging in illicit purchase is fraught with legal and health risks. Awareness and education about fentanyl are essential in mitigating its dangers.
