Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is commonly used for pain management, but it can also be purchased illegally for recreational purposes. Due to its high potency, fentanyl can be extremely dangerous and even deadly if not used properly. So, where do people buy fentanyl?
Are you a retail or online store, hospital, pharmacy or public health agency? The Senate subcommittee did not look closely at darknet sites, the investigator told me, because they found so much on the open web. The Senate investigator said Chinese authorities might have been lax in shutting down these websites in the past because opioid overdoses are not as big of a problem in that country as they are in the United States.
Online Marketplaces
One of the most common ways to buy fentanyl is through online marketplaces on the dark web. These websites operate anonymously and often sell a variety of illicit drugs, including fentanyl. Buyers can use cryptocurrency to make their purchases, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them down.
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Street Dealers
Another way to buy fentanyl is through street dealers in urban areas. These individuals may sell a variety of drugs, including fentanyl, to willing buyers. However, buying drugs from street dealers is risky as the quality and potency of the drugs can vary greatly, increasing the likelihood of overdose or other adverse effects.
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Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you’re on an official state website. Then, combine about a spoonful of water and a small amount of the drug (TACO suggests using a sample about the size of a strawberry seed). Put the test strip into the mixture, holding it by the solid blue end and inserting it no farther than the thick blue “MAX” line. The number of seconds it takes to complete the test will vary, so follow the directions on the kit or the instructions given to you by the organization providing the strip.
This is particularly dangerous as a person who uses stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine may be opioid naïve and at higher risk for overdose if they are exposed to fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine and is the primary driver of the overdose crisis. Since it is so much stronger, only a very small amount, such as a few grains, can be lethal. It has a quicker but shorter high and is quicker to lead to withdrawals.
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Prescription Fraud
Around them, a few people openly injected dope, as an occasional pedestrian threaded past. No drug has fueled the current spike in overdose deaths more than fentanyl. The synthetic opioid claimed two thirds of the record 64,000 such fatalities in the U.S. in 2016. Fentanyl is to blame for 146 deaths in Vermont since 2016, when it overtook heroin and prescription painkillers as the most deadly opioid in the state. The potent synthetic has already killed 30 people in Vermont in 2018, more than heroin and prescription opioids combined, according to state data.
Some individuals may obtain fentanyl through prescription fraud, where they forge prescriptions or visit multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions for the drug. This can be a dangerous and illegal practice that puts both the user and others at risk.
Training
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. Overall, the Health Department gave away 11,715 test strips and 394 doses of Narcan over 45 events in four months. However, there were hundreds of memorable moments and potentially life-saving conversations.
Medical Professionals
In some cases, individuals may come across fentanyl through medical professionals who have access to the drug. Unfortunately, some healthcare workers may divert fentanyl for their own personal use or sell it to others illegally.
- Two lines, or a negative result, means no fentanyl has been detected.
- Because fentanyl is so potent, its use in people who are naïve to fentanyl use can quickly lead to overdose and death.
- Your seller may not always know what other things could be mixed in your supply.
- Syringe service programs provide support, information, naloxone, and other harm reduction supplies to people who use drugs, including people who take pills, smoke, inject, and more.
- Very often, it is mixed in with other drugs, such as heroin, coke, crack, and pressed pills, and is very difficult to detect.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it legal to buy fentanyl?
- What are the risks of buying fentanyl?
- How can I get help for a fentanyl addiction?
No, buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can have serious consequences.
Several states have made similar moves to remove testing strips from their drug paraphernalia lists. We partner with a number of local organizations to make sure Naloxone and test strips are available city-wide. Below are a few of our partners that are able to provide regular access to resources.
The risks of buying fentanyl include overdose, addiction, legal consequences, and exposure to other dangerous drugs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a fentanyl addiction, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction treatment center.
Overall, buying fentanyl is a dangerous and illegal practice that can have serious consequences. It’s important to avoid using this potent opioid and seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.
