Everything You Need To Know About Fentanyl
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Market
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, significantly stronger than morphine. With rising concerns about opioid addiction and overdose, the question arises: do people buy fentanyl? This article explores the intricacies of fentanyl’s market, its usage, and the factors influencing its purchase.
Those dying with synthetic opioids but not heroin appear to be less likely to also have methadone or other commonly prescribed opioids present. Young people may unknowingly buy drugs they believe to be something else, but often these other substances are being mixed with fentanyl, which can be deadly. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been prevalent in the northeastern region of the US since 2017, but it did not become prevalent in Oregon until 2019. Since then, law enforcement seizures of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have grown dramatically in Oregon. The amount of seized fentanyl in Oregon’s high intensity drug trafficking areas (HIDTA) increased from 690 dosage units (counterfeit pills) in 2018 to more than 2 million in 2022.
It is time to stop setting up law enforcement for failure by asking the impossible and instead embrace its vital role in cutting illicit drug market-related violence, disorder and corruption. Illegally manufactured fentanyl smuggled into the U.S. kills tens of thousands of people each year and worsens addictions for many more. Not only those with opioid use disorder suffer, but also their families and communities, in a decades-long crisis that has blighted the country. The demands that we seal the borders against fentanyl are completely understandable.
It is primarily used to treat patients with severe pain, and can be used along with other medications as an anesthetic. Unfortunately, it is also used recreationally, often hidden in other drugs to increase potency. Because of this, buying drugs that are illegally manufactured comes with a huge risk of consuming deadly amounts of fentanyl. Two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10 to 15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose. You can access naloxone from most pharmacists in the U.S. without a prescription. If you, a family member, or a friend take illegal drugs, it is important to have immediate access to naloxone to help possibly save a life.
Just consider this graphic we’ve posted multiple times on jacksoncountycombat.com and social media—a fatal dose of fentanyl compared to a penny. “A lot more deaths involve both fentanyl and stimulants, but we still have the previous overdose crisis on our hands as well,” Shover says. “The opioid crisis has not basically decreased in any way and instead we have an even bigger crisis now with fentanyl and stimulants.” Even as the combinations of fentanyl and stimulants take on a bigger role, doctors and public health officials are still dealing with the original challenges around opioids and fentanyl. Parents should watch for behaviors from their children that may indicate that they are looking for an escape like withdrawal from activities and friends, dropping grades and new spending habits.
What is Fentanyl?
Physical dependence results in withdrawal symptoms when individuals abruptly stop taking the drug. Medications may include buprenorphine and methadone, which affect the same receptors in the brain that are impacted by fentanyl. A doctor may also choose to prescribe naltrexone, which is a different medication that stops fentanyl from affecting the body. Many fentanyl analogs may be much more potent than heroin, making the former even more dangerous than the latter. People with substance use disorders can obtain fentanyl by diverting it from legitimate medical supplies, or by manufacturing it in illegal laboratories. As with other opioid drugs, fentanyl binds to the receptors in the brain that affect pain and emotions.
Fentanyl is used medically for pain management, especially in severe cases such as cancer treatment or post-surgery recovery. However, illicitly manufactured fentanyl has flooded the market, often mixed with other drugs, leading to increased risks of overdose.
Reasons People Might Buy Fentanyl
Understanding the motivations behind purchasing fentanyl can provide insight into its dangerous market:
It is an opioid, like morphine, codeine, oxycodone (oxys) and methadone. Fentanyl is most often prescribed as a slow-release patch to people with long-term, severe pain. He’d been in and out of rehab more than half a dozen times when fentanyl inundated Ohio. We also understand, through our administration, what we must do to support the states in increasing federal dollars available to the states to be able to purchase this important treatment. And so, part of the work that the President and I have done is to invest billions of dollars, including record investments in naloxone and recovery services.
- Chronic Pain Management: Some individuals with severe or chronic pain might seek fentanyl for relief, often bypassing legal prescriptions.
- Recreational Use: The potency of fentanyl makes it appealing to those looking for a stronger illicit high.
- Dependency and Addiction: Those already addicted to opioids may turn to fentanyl as it is cheaper and more accessible than other narcotics.
- Availability: The rise of online pharmacies and dark web marketplaces has made the purchasing of fentanyl easier than ever.
And so the United States moving to allowing that at state level, at community level, at a federal level, has been big progress. VC FOCUS does go out and speak with many community groups, schools and other citizen organizations who are interested in learning about current drug trends and dangers. We do not contact known drug users since there are professionals in behavioral health and the medical field far more qualified to talk to them about addiction, treatment, and health concerns due to their drug use. We are also narcotics detectives, so our expertise is in drug investigations and enforcing the law.
The brain and body develop a tolerance to opioids very quickly, meaning more amounts are needed to feel the same effect. This may rapidly become dependence, meaning that not taking opioids may cause severe pain and discomfort because opioids are no longer in the brain and body. This leads some people to use opioids more and more, a cycle that can lead to opioid use disorder. Opioid use disorder occurs when opioid use interferes with daily life. This may include challenges at home, at work, at school, or in relationships. Taking too many opioids at one time can cause a person to stop breathing and die.
The Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl
While the motivations might differ, the risks are alarmingly high:
- Overdose Risk: Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even a small miscalculation in dosage can lead to fatal consequences.
- Unknown Purity and Composition: Illicit fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Legal Consequences: Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal, leading to potential criminal charges.
FAQs About Fentanyl Purchases
1. Is fentanyl available illegally?
Yes, fentanyl is frequently available on the black market and is often mixed with other drugs.
2. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Symptoms include extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, and loss of consciousness.
- This project was supported by Grant No. 2018-PM-BX-K040 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
- As with any opiate, there is a risk of dependency, tolerance, misuse, and addiction.
- UC Davis Health’s Emergency Department hands it to patients without a prescription because it’s so important to help prevent overdose deaths.
- The CDC estimates that between October 2020 and October 2021, overdoses killed 105,000 Americans.
3. Can fentanyl be safely prescribed?
When prescribed by a healthcare professional, fentanyl can be safe for managing severe pain, but it requires careful monitoring.
4. How do people typically buy illicit fentanyl?
People may buy fentanyl through street dealers, online marketplaces, or illicit pharmacies.
Conclusion
The answer to do people buy fentanyl is multifaceted. While some seek it for legitimate medical reasons, many turn to it due to addiction, recreational use, or the ease of access provided by illegal markets. Understanding these motivations, alongside the significant risks involved, is crucial for addressing the ongoing opioid crisis.
