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Naloxone & Drug Test Strips
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Availability
It is also sometimes used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids. Tolerance occurs when you need a higher and/or more frequent amount of a drug to get the desired effects. Because of the War on Drugs, misguided public health policy, and laws punishing drug use, the unsafe drug supply is growing. Inconsistent purity and potent cuts ranging from vet medicine (e.g. xylazine) to strong fentanyl analogues (e.g. carfentanil) are just some of the many results of the criminalization of people who use drugs.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used for pain management, particularly in cases of severe pain. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Given its potency, it is essential to understand where to buy fentanyl safely and legally, as well as the associated risks.
In May 2022, three students at the Ohio State University were rushed to an area hospital due to fentanyl overdose. The same week of the reported overdose, Columbus Public Health and campus safety officials issued warnings of possible Adderall pills laced with fentanyl on campus. Do not dispose of your unused medication in the garbage or down the toilet. Robert is a 33-year-old man with piercing blue eyes and tightly cropped brown hair who grew up in a small town in Eastern Washington.
The final event was a concert and mutual aid event hosted by Savage Sisters, Operation In My Backyard, and the South Philly Lunch with Punks. Each nonprofit had tables set and a stage was set up for live music. While we were there, we had the opportunity to do Narcan and fentanyl test strip trainings on stage for everyone in attendance. Last July, he said, there were thousands of listings for fentanyl and its analogues on AlphaBay, a darknet site that was shut down by law enforcement. Now, on Dream Market, another darknet drug market, there are just 300.
In 2016, drug overdose deaths exceeded 64,000 in the United States, driven by a sixfold increase in deaths attributable to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Sometimes it may take more doses, but studies show that a person experiencing an overdose involving fentanyl will usually ‘come to’ after 1 or 2 doses. Chest rigidity has been seen in some fentanyl-related overdoses and this causes the individual to stop breathing immediately.
Several of the known analogues, including carfentanil,P-Fluoral Fentanyl, valeryl fentanyl, 3-Methyl Fentanyl, Sufentanil, butyryl fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, etc. The test strips can be used to test injectable drugs, powders and pills. As Sim explained, a single gram could kill thousands of people.
Appropriate Channels for Purchasing Fentanyl
Xylazine has frequently been found mixed with opioids (including fentanyl) and stimulants (including methamphetamine and cocaine). The Health Department offers virtual trainings to individuals and organizations on the use of fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction tool as well as strategies for community engagement. If you are interested in learning about fentanyl and fentanyl test strips, or your organization is distributing fentanyl test strips in the community, register for an upcoming training below. Please note the Health Department does not supply fentanyl test strips to training attendees. Illicit fentanyl related products are described including the different forms it can appear in.
And yet as a concept, it’s gotten attached to these misperceptions. Synthetic fentanyl has been found in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, pills, and marijuana, causing overdoses and deaths. If you use drugs, you may be at risk for taking fentanyl without even knowing it.
- In Massachusetts, fentanyl was present in 93 percent of the opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022.
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Many NC community pharmacists are willing to sell FTS and engage in other FTS behaviors.
- Greenwell got hooked on narcotic pain medication after back surgery.
- The only way to be sure is to test street drugs for fentanyl.
Fentanyl is primarily available through the following channels:
- Prescription from Healthcare Providers: The most legitimate and safest way to obtain fentanyl is through a healthcare provider. A licensed medical professional can prescribe fentanyl for patients with severe pain who have not responded well to other pain medications.
- Licensed Pharmacies: Fentanyl prescriptions can be filled at licensed pharmacies. It is crucial to ensure that the pharmacy is authorized to dispense such medications to avoid counterfeit products.
- Hospital Settings: Fentanyl is commonly used in hospitals, particularly in surgical and emergency situations. Patients typically cannot purchase fentanyl directly in a hospital but may receive it as part of their treatment.
- Home Health Services: For patients who require pain management at home, licensed home health care services may administer fentanyl patches or lozenges following a doctor’s prescription.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl Illegally
While there may be illicit sources for where to buy fentanyl, it is vital to acknowledge the significant risks involved:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many countries and can lead to severe legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.
- Health Risks: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other harmful substances or be counterfeit, leading to overdose or even death.
- Dependency and Addiction: Fentanyl has a high potential for abuse, and acquiring it outside of a medical framework can increase the risk of developing a dependency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I buy fentanyl online?
While there are websites that advertise the sale of fentanyl, purchasing it online without a prescription is illegal and highly dangerous. It is advised to obtain fentanyl only through approved medical channels.
2. What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
If you have a prescription for fentanyl, you should take it to a licensed pharmacy. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and usage of the medication.
3. How is fentanyl typically administered?
Fentanyl can be administered in several forms, including:
- Patches: Transdermal patches for continuous pain relief.
- Lozenges: Oral tablets designed to dissolve in the mouth.
- Injectables: Typically used in hospital settings for immediate pain relief.
4. What precautions should I take when using fentanyl?
When using fentanyl, it is essential to:
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Store the medication safely away from children and pets.
- Dispose of unused fentanyl properly to avoid accidental ingestion.
Conclusion
Understanding where to buy fentanyl safely is crucial for managing severe pain effectively. Always prioritize legal and safe channels such as doctor’s prescriptions and licensed pharmacies to minimize risks associated with this potent medication. Avoid illegal avenues to protect both your health and legal standing.
