Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is typically prescribed to patients who are experiencing severe pain, such as cancer patients or those in end-of-life care. However, the misuse of fentanyl has become a growing concern in recent years.
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. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content. The half pill he’d smoked was blue with the markings of a Percocet M30. In fiscal 2017, CBP seized 355 kilograms of fentanyl at San Diego ports of entry, accounting for 82 percent of all border crossing seizures nationwide, according to updated CBP data. In the interview, Sales also linked fentanyl trafficking to the rise in violence in the state.
If you see powder or other material that you believe are drugs, do not handle or take possession of the materials or clean up the area yourself. Call the non-emergency number for the police department in your area or report the situation to the facility manager. Current research shows that fentanyl use in public places, such as buses and trains, does not produce enough contamination on surfaces to cause other passengers to overdose.
Where can I go for training and a naloxone kit?
Why Do People Buy Fentanyl?
If you choose to use again, be mindful of potential changes in drug potency and start with a smaller dose than you might have used in the past. These strategies can help you avoid an accidental overdose or other unwanted experiences. There are a number of test strips you can use to test for fentanyl. However, it’s important to know that a negative result does not mean there is no fentanyl present. It is possible for fentanyl to exist in an untested area of a pill or for the pill to contain a different synthetic opioid product. Colorado has seen an increase in fentanyl overdoses over the past year.
Why is Fentanyl being added to street drugs?
There are several reasons why individuals may choose to purchase fentanyl illegally. One of the main reasons is its potency. Because fentanyl is so much stronger than other opioids, individuals who are already addicted to drugs like heroin may seek out fentanyl for a stronger high.
- You can’t smell or taste fentanyl and fake pills made from fentanyl can look like real pills from a pharmacy.
- “We have sources trying to give us 20,000 pills when we only want to actually buy 1,000,” said Schultz, who works undercover, in an email to the Standard.
- On a recent Wednesday afternoon, at one end of the block, within sight of the dealers, a pair of men sought shelter under an eave at a branch of U.S.
Additionally, fentanyl is often much cheaper than other opioids on the black market. This affordability can make it an attractive option for those struggling with addiction who are looking for a quick and cheap way to get high.
Downtown homelessness? It keeps going down. Countywide? Not so much.
The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl
In August 2019, more than three months after China’s class ban, the U.S. government issued an advisory warning federal agencies of continued shipments of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, including via the U.S. The Treasury Department has also used bank data to identify fentanyl vendors. In 2019, the department sanctioned three Chinese nationals accused of trafficking the synthetic opioids. Overall, combinations of fentanyl and any illicit drugs — including stimulants and others — are a major contributor to overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people who use drugs like cocaine recreationally may not be aware these drugs are laced with fentanyl, a powerful opioid that can be deadly in small doses. This could be fueling unintentional overdoses, according to experts.
Despite its potency, fentanyl can be extremely dangerous when used recreationally. The risk of overdose is significantly higher with fentanyl compared to other opioids, as just a small amount can be fatal. Additionally, because fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, users may not be aware of exactly what they are ingesting, increasing the likelihood of accidental overdose.
You never know when you’ll encounter someone in need of this life-saving medication. UC Davis Health’s Emergency Department hands it to patients without a prescription because it’s so important to help prevent overdose deaths. If you’ve been prescribed an opioid, many health care providers also co-prescribe naloxone in case of an overdose. If your provider doesn’t prescribe it, you can ask them for a prescription.
More Than 80% of People Who Inject Drugs Test Positive for Fentanyl—But Only 18% Intend to Take It
Furthermore, the illegal production and distribution of fentanyl contribute to the ongoing opioid crisis, leading to countless deaths each year. Purchasing fentanyl from illicit sources only serves to perpetuate this cycle of addiction and harm.
The Washington State Standard is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet that provides original reporting, analysis and commentary on Washington state government and politics. We seek to keep you informed about Washington’s most pressing issues, the decisions elected leaders are making, how they are spending tax dollars and who is influencing public policy. “We have sources trying to give us 20,000 pills when we only want to actually buy 1,000,” said Schultz, who works undercover, in an email to the Standard. Shortly after Kade Webb, 20, collapsed and died in a bathroom at a Safeway Market in Roseville, Calif., in December, the police opened his phone and went straight to his social media apps.
Fentanyl dealers are bypassing dark web restrictions to sell deadly precursors online: here’s how
In conclusion, while there may be various reasons why individuals choose to buy fentanyl, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. It is essential for individuals to seek help if they are struggling with substance abuse and to avoid the dangers associated with using fentanyl illegally.
