Content
Survey And Fentanyl Test Strip Protocols
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a Schedule II prescription drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is only available by prescription. However, despite its legal status, many people are wondering, “can you buy fentanyl illegally?”
The Dangers of Illegally Obtained Fentanyl
Other Resources
Illegally obtained fentanyl is often made in clandestine labs and is not subject to any quality control or regulation. This means that the drug can be cut with other substances, such as heroin or cocaine, and the potency can vary greatly from one batch to another. As a result, illegally obtained fentanyl can be extremely dangerous, even deadly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. In 2019, more than 36,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. This is a 10% increase from the previous year.
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
WHERE TO FIND NARCAN And FENTANYL TEST STRIPS
Buying fentanyl illegally is not only dangerous but also illegal. If you are caught buying or possessing fentanyl without a prescription, you could face serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
A person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted, but dependence can sometimes lead to addiction. One measure to prevent fentanyl overdose is distributing naloxone to bystanders. Naloxone can reverse an overdose as it occurs by blocking the effects of opioids. For example, carfentanil, a fentanyl analog formed by substituting one chemical group for another, is 100 times more potent than its parent structure. Another analog, acetylfentanyl, is approximately three times less potent than fentanyl, but has still led to clusters of overdoses in several states. A 2018 study by researchers at Brown University, Boston Medical Center, and Johns Hopkins University found that fentanyl test strips are accurate at detecting fentanyl.
Additionally, buying fentanyl illegally supports criminal organizations and contributes to the illegal drug trade. This not only harms individuals and communities but also undermines public health and safety.
The Importance of Seeking Help for Substance Use Disorder
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, it’s important to seek help. There are many resources available, including:
Xylazine
Using fentanyl test strips is one way to help prevent an opioid overdose. The use of fentanyl test strips should be paired with other risk reduction practices to reduce the chance of overdosing even further. Overdose deaths usually lead to investigation by law enforcement, which is bad for business and can often result in the dealer’s arrest. However, the drug is so profitable that it’s worth the risk. Falkowski told ABC he was able to have “a pretty long run” selling drugs laced with fentanyl before his pills killed someone. Synthetic fentanyl has been found in cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, pills, and marijuana, causing overdoses and deaths.
- Treatment centers and rehabilitation programs
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Counseling and therapy
Additionally, in some regions, fentanyl contamination is widespread throughout the drug supply, and it has yet to be determined how that may affect uptake of rapid fentanyl test strips. Third, we only assessed lifetime overdose history generally and did not ask participants about their experiences with opioid overdose specifically. It is possible that participants who have previously experienced an opioid overdose, or had an overdose they thought was caused by fentanyl, may be more willing to use the fentanyl testing strips.
- This makes drugs cheaper, more potent, more addictive, and more dangerous.
- News articles about first responders overdosing from airborne fentanyl exposure is often the result of a panic attack.
- We partner with a number of local organizations to make sure Naloxone and test strips are available city-wide.
- The modern epidemic of fentanyl adulteration is far broader in its geographic distribution, production and number of deaths.
Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the United States are linked to illicitly made fentanyl. Illicitly made fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills, which are made to look like prescription drugs or may be added to other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine. Fentanyl is used widely in medicine for the treatment of severe pain. Fentanyl is reported to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Like other opioids, fentanyl is a central nervous system depressant and in overdose scenarios can lead to a range of adverse effects, including sedation, respiratory depression, and in severe cases fatal overdose.
Seeking help for substance use disorder can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that treatment works and recovery is possible. With the right support and resources, you can overcome addiction and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “can you buy fentanyl illegally” is yes, but it’s important to understand the dangers and risks associated with illegally obtained fentanyl. Not only is it extremely dangerous, but it’s also illegal and supports criminal organizations. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, seek help and take advantage of the many resources available.
