Opioids, Fentanyl, Xylazine
Understanding the Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl Online
As fentanyl seizures continue to hit historical levels, we anticipate that more lawmakers at the state and federal levels will develop legislation to combat the fentanyl problem. For example, Colorado’s new fentanyl law will allow police to charge anyone with more than a gram of fentanyl in their possession. While some people may view this law as extreme, Colorado sees it as a way to keep the drug off the streets.
Chen’s Facebook accounts were shut down last year, but he has created a new account. U.S. law enforcement acknowledged struggling to curb this online fentanyl marketplace, in part because many of the transactions are encrypted. “We know it’s happening. We still cannot get cooperation from major Internet companies, service providers, to be able to get into those devices that we know [drug cartels] are utilizing,” the DEA’s Donahue said. Others are so new they are not yet banned, are harder to detect and regulate, and they can be used in basic chemical processes to produce illegal drugs.
Overall, the nation saw a 15 percent increase in deaths from overdoses in 2021. It can be injected into the veins or muscles, inhaled through the nose via a nasal spray, or applied as a patch on the skin. A health professional can prescribe fentanyl legally for a patient with pain. Illegal fentanyl has an unknown amount of fentanyl and may contain other substances such as cocaine, heroin, and xylazine (a drug given to animals to help with pain), which put users at higher risk of being poisoned. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, carfentanyl is approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine, 100 times more than fentanyl, and 50 times more than heroin.
In today’s digital age, the prevalence of drugs on the internet has increased significantly. Many individuals may seek information on how to buy fentanyl online. However, it is crucial to approach this topic with caution due to the associated legal, health, and ethical implications.
In states where test strips are legal for distribution, residents can find test strips for sale or for free at pharmacies, public health departments, and harm reduction centers. To these specific distribution locations in their community, people should visit their state’s public health department. Delaware operates a mail order program where residents can order 10 free test strips. Wisconsin allows residents to pick up free test strips at a designated location. Fentanyl test strips are free for all New Yorkers if they order the test strips through their partner provider.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is primarily used for severe pain management in clinical settings. The misuse of this drug can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death.
The opioid epidemic is not specific to one location, it’s everywhere. According to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, mass quantities of fentanyl are being produced in China and brought illegally to the United States, contributing to the growing crisis in the U.S. New data shows a surge in overdose deaths involving fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Legal Considerations
Purchasing fentanyl online raises various legal issues:
Without Naloxone and immediate medical attention, the risk of death is extreme. At Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai, healthcare workers are trying to change that. A team of doctors, pharmacists and nurses is traveling to schools, libraries and community centers to educate people about the opioid crisis and the importance of knowing what to do when witnessing an overdose.
- Regulation: Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in many countries, making it illegal to buy or sell without a prescription.
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal purchases can lead to criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment.
- Online Scams: Many websites that claim to sell fentanyl may not be legitimate and could be scams, risking financial loss and personal safety.
Health Risks
The health risks associated with obtaining fentanyl online include:
- Adulteration: Illegally purchased fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, leading to unpredictable dosages and increased overdose risk.
- Dependence: The use of fentanyl, especially without medical supervision, can result in rapid physical dependence.
- Lack of Medical Guidance: Taking fentanyl without a prescription means no professional monitoring, increasing the danger of misuse.
Alternatives to Online Purchases
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain management or opioid dependence, consider safer alternatives:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Seek advice from a medical professional to explore legitimate pain management options.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Investigate non-opioid treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or counseling.
- Support Groups: Engage with local or online support groups for those affected by opioid addiction.
FAQs
1. Is fentanyl legal to buy online?
No, fentanyl is a controlled substance and can only be purchased with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
2. What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Signs include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately.
3. Are there legitimate ways to obtain fentanyl?
Yes, fentanyl can be prescribed by a doctor for legitimate medical reasons, typically in a clinical setting.
4. What should I do if I or someone I know is struggling with opioid dependence?
It’s essential to seek help from healthcare professionals or addiction specialists who can provide appropriate resources and treatment options.
- Charlie purchased the pill online from a social media site, which unknowingly connected him to a counterfeit dealer.
- This means that fentanyl and/or xylazine may still be present in a drug product, even when a portion of the product tested with drug checking strips does not react.
- In reviewing medical examiner data for opioid-related fatal overdose, fentanyl is a contributing factor in multiple “poly-drug” overdoses.
Conclusion
While information about how to buy fentanyl online may be readily accessible, the risks involved far outweigh any perceived benefits. It’s important to prioritize safety and legality by consulting healthcare professionals and utilizing legitimate treatment options.
