Do People Buy Fentanyl? Understanding the Dangers and Statistics

Like other opioid addictions, medication with behavioral therapies has been shown to be effective in treating people with a fentanyl addiction. The drug also causes a shorter-lived high than other opioids, meaning users must take the drug more frequently to avoid withdrawal. Despite the evidence supporting these measures, however, local politics and funding priorities often limit whether communities are able to give them a try. Bold strategies are needed to interrupt the ever-increasing number of fentanyl-related deaths. Unfortunately, fentanyl’s high potency also means that even just a small amount can prove deadly. If the end user isn’t aware that the drug they bought has been adulterated, this could easily lead to an overdose.

• The unintentional consumption of fentanyl is a serious health risk for people who use illicit drugs.
• Since xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone and other opioid antagonists do not reverse xylazine’s effect on breathing in the event of an overdose.
• 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.

NBC News’ Morgan Radford reports from Camden County, New Jersey, to learn about one district’s plan to protect students as dangerous fentanyl becomes more prevalent. In Ohio alone, unintentional drug-related overdoses caused the death of 4,050 residents in 2016. To address this deadly scourge, in Ohio, HSI completely shifted its investigative portfolio. In the last year, the agency tripled its focus on drug trafficking-related probes, which now account for more than 50 percent of all cases.

Effects Of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often used as a pain medication for cancer patients and those with chronic pain. However, in recent years, fentanyl has become a popular drug of abuse due to its potency and low cost. The question then arises, do people buy fentanyl? The answer is yes, and it is a growing problem in the United States and around the world.

Who Is At Risk For A Fentanyl Overdose?

The Dangers of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug that can cause serious health problems and even death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl was involved in 59% of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019. This is because fentanyl can slow down the user’s breathing and heart rate, leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. In addition, fentanyl can also cause nausea, dizziness, and confusion, making it difficult for users to function normally.

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The Availability of Fentanyl

When naloxone does not reverse a suspected opioid overdose, it may not be because the naloxone did not work. Instead, it may be because the naloxone was given too late or there were other, non-opioid drugs, that were consumed at the same time and led to the overdose. Fentanyl, like other opioids such as prescription pain relievers and illicit opioids such as heroin, both relieves pain and can cause a person to experience a “high” or euphoria. However, opioids also produce ill effects, including physical dependence and addiction. As technology continues to advance, the illicit drug trade advances with it. Unlike in years past, the vast majority of wholesale drug transactions involving fentanyl are online.

Fentanyl is widely available on the black market, often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. This makes it difficult for users to know the exact dosage they are taking, increasing the risk of overdose. Fentanyl can also be purchased online from illegal websites, known as “darknet markets,” where it is often marketed as a “legal high” or “research chemical.”

The National Epidemic – Overdoses And Deaths

Statistics on Fentanyl Abuse

According to the NIDA, in 2019, an estimated 36,359 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. This is a significant increase from the 29,406 deaths reported in 2017. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that fentanyl-related overdoses have been increasing since 2013, with the highest rates among adults aged 25-44.

Who is Buying Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is often bought by individuals who are already addicted to opioids or other drugs. However, it is also being used by those who are seeking a more potent high or who are unaware of the dangers of fentanyl. According to a report by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is often sold in pill form, making it easy to conceal and transport. In addition, fentanyl can be purchased in powder form, which can be mixed with other drugs or used to make counterfeit prescription pills.

Conclusion

This is the side effect that makes an overdose of fentanyl so deadly; the opioids block the brain’s ability to remember to breathe and can quickly lead to death. Opioids are also well known to cause the gastrointestinal tract to slow down, and many patients on opioids report significant constipation. Health care professionals are urging people to carry naloxone (also known as Narcan) to help save lives. It can quickly save the life of someone suffering from an overdose.

In conclusion, the answer to the question, “do people buy fentanyl?” is unfortunately, yes. Fentanyl is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that is widely available on the black market. The dangers of fentanyl cannot be overstated, as it can cause serious health problems and even death. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is important to seek help immediately. There are many resources available, including treatment centers, support groups, and counseling services.