Resources To Recovery – Recursos Para Recuperarse
Understanding Fentanyl: What You Need to Know
It’s up to 100 times stronger than other opioids like morphine, heroin, or oxycodone. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows between 2019 and 2021, the number of teens who died from fentanyl increased from 253 to 884. Many of those fentanyl-laced drugs were purchased over clandestine social media apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Wickr. Colorado authorities have seen a large influx of fentanyl over the past year and are expecting to see an increase in overdoses in the coming months.
Only one participant had received OEND training prior to enrollment in the study. Most reported using drugs for two decades or more (mean 24 years, s.d. 13.6 years). Among the nine participants who reported no opioid use, 8 used crack cocaine and 1 used methamphetamine. An additional six participants reported regular opioid use in combination with at least one stimulant. Those who reported regular crack cocaine use, either alone or in combination with opioids, had the longest drug using careers among the sample. Those who used crack cocaine only were less familiar with overdose prevention methods.
If you are actively using drugs, testing for HIV and hepatitis C every six months can help keep you healthy. Before using, wash or sanitize your hands and any surfaces used to prepare the drugs. Then, use an alcohol wipe or soapy water to clean your injection site.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management. However, it is also notorious for its potential for abuse and addiction. Many individuals may find themselves asking, “can I buy fentanyl?” This question raises significant concerns about legality, safety, and health implications.
Legality of Purchasing Fentanyl
Even daily opioid users who know that fentanyl is in their product have no way of knowing the amount. Whether you are testing everything you intend to consume or a smaller portion of your drugs, you need to dilute the powder in the correct amount of water. Before using fentanyl test strips, it is critical to read and follow our instructions. You can read all about fentanyl test strips and how to use them correctly here. Even if you’ve used them before, the information on this page is still important.
According to the Department of Justice, F.O.R.T. is a multiagency team composed of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Fresno Police Department. There’s no clear way to tell by sight, taste or smell that something has fentanyl. By testing their drugs, people can know what they’re taking and take steps to be safer, like getting Narcan. Some people may also prefer to take an “upper” like cocaine or methamphetamine mixed with a “downer” like fentanyl for the combined effects. UC San Francisco Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor in Clinical Pharmacy Tessa Rife-Pennington, PharmD, BCGP, works at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and with UCSF’s Addiction Research Program. The information contained on this website is not intended to be a substitute for, or to be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Among the U.S. cities with the highest number of people who use heroin, Baltimore is taking novel steps to address the opioid epidemic within its boundaries. The city’s health department has actively worked to get naloxone, the opioid-overdose reversal medication, into the hands of people who can use it to save lives, and to expand access to addiction treatment. Working with the nonprofit Code in the Schools, the city in 2017 launched a “bad batch” text alert system, to warn people who use drugs when there is a spike in overdose deaths in a certain area. 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.
If you’re using pills, you’ll need to crush a pill on a clean surface before dissolving it in 1 tablespoon of water. If you plan to use IV drugs, prepare the shot, set the needle aside, and add about one-fifth teaspoon of water to the spoon/cooker with the drug. Fentanyl test strips aren’t perfect, but most people find them easy to use. The best way to use them is to dissolve all the drugs you plan to use in water.
The legality of purchasing fentanyl varies by country and region. Here are some important points to consider:
- In many countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it is available only through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can result in severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
- Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is frequently sold on the street, which poses significant risks due to its potency and the potential for contamination.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is primarily used in medical settings for:
- Post-surgical pain management
- Chronic pain in patients who are tolerant to other opioids
- As an anesthetic during surgery
Healthcare professionals must closely monitor patients receiving fentanyl due to its high risk of overdose.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
Purchasing fentanyl illegally poses numerous health and safety risks:
- After taking opioids many times, the brain adapts to the drug, diminishing its sensitivity, making it hard to feel pleasure from anything besides the drug.
- If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home.
- Upon completion of the interview, participants were compensated $25 cash, 2 doses of naloxone, and given a bag containing 2 transportation tokens, a $5 convenience store card, a pair of latex gloves, and a breathing mask.
- The second implication is how these risks are assessed and uncovered.
- Whatever it may be, if their drug of choice is crack cocaine, they need to smoke first to get that feeling, then after that everything rational comes into play.
- Well, because we have this unregulated supply, the end user is basically powerless over the drug supply.
- Potent Potency: Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Even a small overdose can be fatal.
- Adulteration: Illicit fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose and other harmful effects.
- Addiction Potential: The addictive nature of fentanyl can lead to dependency and require extensive treatment for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I legally buy fentanyl without a prescription?
No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl without a prescription in most jurisdictions.
2. What should I do if I need fentanyl for pain management?
Consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your condition and discuss appropriate pain management options.
3. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs include shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, inability to wake up, and blue lips or nails. Seek emergency medical assistance immediately if these symptoms occur.
Conclusion
Ultimately, if you find yourself asking “can I buy fentanyl?”, it is crucial to understand the legal implications and potential health risks involved. Always consult with a healthcare provider for safe and effective pain management solutions.
