Why Mothers Deserve Better Treatment For Opioid Addiction
FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — More and more young fentanyl users are turning to social media apps for their next Fentanyl high. You cannot smell or taste fentanyl, so consider carrying Fentanyl Test Strips to prevent ingestion. “Because fentanyl is so powerful, patients are having greater physical withdrawals,” Ward said. “We’ve seen an uptick in the amount of medication we’ve had to prescribe for some patients just to keep them stable.” Until recently, intentional use of fentanyl was mostly limited to the West Coast, but in the past few years, addiction specialists have seen an uptick in use of the drug across the country.
- Offers needs-based mobile syringe exchange, fentanyl test strips, Naloxone (Narcan) and safer sex kits.
- And there’s no data to suggest that smoking fentanyl reduces the risk for fatal overdoses.
- Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using.
- One hundred thousand people died nationwide from overdoses in 2021.
Understanding Fentanyl
Visit NEXT Distro to request that naloxone be mailed directly to your home. One of the deadliest street drugs, illicit fentanyl, has transitioned from a hidden killer that people often hope to avoid to one that many drug users now seek out on its own. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Florida ranks second in the nation behind California for drug overdose deaths. Schools and programs serving youth can increase awareness and create safe environments for children.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. It is prescribed for severe pain management, particularly in cancer patients or those undergoing surgery. However, its illicit use has raised considerable concern in recent years.
According to Families Against Fentanyl, it is now the leading cause of death among people 18 to 45 years old. Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. In the spring, Sen. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, told members of a Senate committee that legalizing the strips could help drive that number down. If this is an emergency, please leave this page and call immediately. Mothers struggling with opioid addiction are often criticized and told to quit “cold turkey”.
The fact that naloxone programs have been so effective proves this. Harm reduction at its core is about radical love and acceptance for another human being. 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.
The process of testing methamphetamine is different than testing opioids and uses more water. Many substances in the U.S. are laced with fentanyl, a very powerful synthetic opioid painkiller. Fentanyl can be cut into heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and counterfeit pills with brand names like Vicodin, Oxycontin, Adderall and Xanax. 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.
Fentanyl test strips can be used to determine if drugs have been mixed or cut with fentanyl. They can be used to sample street drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and illegally obtained prescription pills. The strips give those who use illegal drugs a way to determine if fentanyl is present in their drug supply and to help reduce the risk of an overdose.
Can You Buy Fentanyl?
Rhode Island has become known for taking a data-driven and evidence-based approach to the opioid crisis. A major element of the strategy is the expansion of access to treatment — both in correctional facilities and in the community. The state also closely tracks a number of vital indicators in a dashboard that is considered one of the most useful and comprehensive in the country. Sherman and Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV.
The question can you buy fentanyl brings a multitude of considerations including legality, prescription requirements, and safety risks. Here are essential points to consider:
1. Legal Considerations
In many countries, the purchase of fentanyl without a prescription is illegal. Here are the most critical factors:
- Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States.
- Obtaining fentanyl legally requires a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
- Possession or distribution of fentanyl without a prescription can lead to severe legal consequences.
2. Medical Use
Only licensed healthcare providers can prescribe fentanyl. Reasons for a prescription typically include:
- Chronic pain management where other opioids are ineffective.
- Post-surgical recovery requiring potent pain relief.
- Palliative care for terminal illnesses.
3. Risks of Illicit Purchase
Illicitly obtaining fentanyl poses significant health risks, including:
- High potential for overdose due to its potency.
- Contamination or adulteration with other harmful substances.
- Legal repercussions, including arrest and incarceration.
FAQs about Fentanyl
Q1: Can I buy fentanyl online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and unsafe.
Q2: What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Signs include:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Pale or clammy skin
Q3: What should I do if I encounter someone who has overdosed on fentanyl?
Call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone if available.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the answer to can you buy fentanyl hinges on legal and medical guidelines. It should only be acquired through proper channels to ensure safety and compliance with the law. Always consult healthcare professionals for guidance regarding pain management and the use of opioids like fentanyl.
