Parents, Guardians, And Families
About a decade, decade a half ago, there were instances of fentanyl popping up in the northern – in the Nordic countries, but police officials there, law enforcement at the time was able to stamp it out very quickly. Certainly, the two principal backers of supply to the United States, the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación are deeply involved in the variety of other illegal economies. And their counterparts are delivering precursor chemicals from China. So a whole-of-government approach against these organizations, not against just the specific substance, would perhaps further advance U.S. policy.
Understanding the Question: Do People Buy Fentanyl?
As a result, many people may not know they’re ingesting fentanyl, leading to an accidental poisoning. A person taking prescription fentanyl as instructed by a doctor can experience dependence, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. A person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted, but dependence can sometimes lead to addiction.
We have seen only a handful of these cases in Ventura County to date. Other conditions can put someone at risk of a fentanyl overdose. These include use of drugs by oneself and use of multiple drugs at the same time. The risk of an overdose increases when fentanyl is used with drugs such as benzodiazepines (prescription medications for anxiety, such as Xanax or Ativan) and alcohol. From 1999 to 2011, the death rate in the United States due to opioid analgesics nearly quadrupled, then began to skyrocket around 2013–2014. This timing coincided with the first detection of illicit pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700.
The transaction starts with advertising on apps like Instagram or Facebook, public platforms where dealers will post suggestive emojis looking for customers. After a connection is made, the seller and buyer will transition to more secretive apps where messages either delete after sending or come encrypted to discuss the terms of the transaction. After that, payment is sent, drugs are shipped, and within minutes, the deal is done. The drug and fentanyl epidemic is moving to the social media sphere, and many parents do not know their kids are part of it.
The topic of fentanyl often arises in discussions about drug use, addiction, and the opioid crisis. To address the question of whether do people buy fentanyl, it’s important to explore the various factors influencing its purchase, distribution, and use.
What is Fentanyl?
If you’ve used fentanyl or other substances in the past and have recently experienced a period of sobriety, your tolerance for the drug has likely decreased. If you choose to use again, be mindful of potential changes in drug potency and start with a smaller dose than you might have used in the past. These strategies can help you avoid an accidental overdose or other unwanted experiences. There are a number of test strips you can use to test for fentanyl. However, it’s important to know that a negative result does not mean there is no fentanyl present. It is possible for fentanyl to exist in an untested area of a pill or for the pill to contain a different synthetic opioid product.
In January 2021, DHS announced a new multiphase study to improve the detection of synthetic opioids. In collaboration with PNNL, the study will assess the performance of field-portable drug detection equipment from industry against fentanyl and fentanyl-related compounds, other drugs, and cutting agents. A major contributor to the opioid drug crisis was availability.
- Heroin users in my community in Massachusetts came to realize that fentanyl had entered the drug supply when overdose numbers exploded.
- The Investigator graph below shows that some vendors are active on a number of other dark markets, including Incognito, Vice City Market and World Market.
- Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax.
- This information comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- The County of Ventura Behavioral Health has a Strategic Plan in place, and a division dedicated solely to Prevention.
- Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain-management treatment of cancer patients.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine or heroin. It is primarily used in medical settings to treat severe pain, particularly for patients undergoing surgery or experiencing chronic pain conditions. However, its potency has also made it a frequent target for illicit drug markets.
Why Do People Buy Fentanyl?
There are several reasons why individuals may seek to purchase fentanyl, including:
- Medical Use: Patients may be prescribed fentanyl patches or lollipops for pain management.
- Recreational Use: Some individuals illicitly obtain fentanyl to enhance the effects of other drugs or to experience its powerful high.
- Addiction: Those struggling with opioid addiction may turn to fentanyl due to its potency, despite the risks associated with its use.
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl
While there are legitimate reasons for purchasing fentanyl, these are often overshadowed by the risks involved:
- Overdose Risk: The potency of fentanyl increases the likelihood of overdose, which can be fatal. It’s estimated that just a tiny amount can lead to respiratory depression.
- Contamination: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, leading to unpredictable effects and heightened danger.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can result in serious legal repercussions.
Where is Fentanyl Bought?
Fentanyl can be obtained through various channels, both legal and illegal:
- Pharmacies: Legitimately prescribed fentanyl products are sold in pharmacies under strict regulations.
- Online Markets: Some individuals may turn to the dark web or illegal online marketplaces to buy fentanyl.
- Street Dealers: Many people illegally purchase fentanyl from street-level drug dealers who may mix it with other substances.
FAQs About Fentanyl
Q1: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A: Signs include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Q2: Can fentanyl be used safely?
A: Yes, but only under the supervision of a healthcare professional and when prescribed.
Q3: How can one avoid illicit fentanyl use?
A: Seeking help for addiction, avoiding illegal drug purchases, and educating oneself about the dangers associated with fentanyl are crucial steps.
Conclusion
In summary, the question do people buy fentanyl encapsulates a complex issue influenced by factors ranging from medical necessity to addiction and illicit drug use. While there are legitimate medical avenues for its purchase, the risks associated with its misuse cannot be overlooked. Awareness and education about fentanyl are essential for reducing the dangers posed by this powerful opioid.
