How Is Fentanyl Different From Oxycodone And Other Opioids?
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. There are a few varieties of fentanyl – injectable for using in the operating room and lollipops and patches. The latter two are used for pain management – patches for chronic pain and lollipops for those with severe pain, such as bone cancer with metastases. Fentanyl’s growth from its original design as an effective surgical pain management tool to a leading cause of overdose death and concern has happened quickly – with severe consequences.
Understanding the Risks and Legality of Purchasing Fentanyl Online
While test strips won’t tell you how much fentanyl is there, knowing that fentanyl is in your drugs gives you information to make safer choices. For free fentanyl test strips (and free naloxone), you can contact your nearest Overdose Response Program (ORP). To find locations near you, please view the Maryland Department of Health’s ORP map. Click on the location markers to view details, then scroll down in the details to confirm what each ORP offers.
The question, can I buy fentanyl online, often arises due to the growing accessibility of various pharmaceuticals via the internet. However, it’s crucial to understand the implications of this decision.
ASAP Market is not the only dark web marketplace to – supposedly inadvertently – facilitate the fentanyl trade. The Investigator graph below shows that some vendors are active on a number of other dark markets, including Incognito, Vice City Market and World Market. This cluster of vendors receives fentanyl from a supplier based in Shanghai, China.
What is Fentanyl?
Access this directory of Washington State syringe exchange programs. Please note that all syringe exchange programs also provide overdose prevention and response training and naloxone distribution. Due to its synthetic manufacturing process, fentanyl carries a relatively standard level of potency.
The powerful opioid fentanyl has been found in everything from methamphetamine and cocaine to marijuana and fake Adderall pills. Nearly 6,000 Californians died from fentanyl overdoses in 2021 alone. Cruelly, about one in every 25 of those deaths was a child 19 or younger, according to the latest data from the California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard.
Naloxone and fentanyl test strips are available at many pharmacies with no Dr. visits required. Click here for information on how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Naloxone. Even though research has confirmed that fentanyl test strips are an accurate, low-cost, and relatively easy method of testing drugs for the presence of fentanyl, they aren’t always a 100% guarantee. Ideally, it’s best to use them every time you use, but it may not be realistic for everyone. Learning about drug myths is just as helpful a harm reduction and overdose prevention tool as fentanyl test strips.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, typically 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is medically prescribed for the treatment of severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or those recovering from surgery. However, due to its potency, fentanyl can be highly addictive and dangerous.
- This is particularly dangerous as a person who uses stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine may be opioid naïve and at higher risk for overdose if they are exposed to fentanyl.
- Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States.
- Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that is increasingly being found in the US illicit drug supply and linked to overdose deaths.
- 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.
Legal Considerations
When considering the question, can I buy fentanyl online, it is essential to check the legal status of fentanyl in your country:
- In many regions, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance, requiring a prescription for legal procurement.
- Purchasing fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Many countries have strict regulations on the importation of controlled substances, including fentanyl.
The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl Online
Acquiring fentanyl through online platforms poses several risks:
- Illegitimate sources: Many websites selling fentanyl do not operate legally, often selling counterfeit drugs that may contain harmful substances.
- Health risks: Misuse of fentanyl can lead to overdose and death due to its high potency.
- Legal troubles: You may face criminal charges for purchasing controlled substances illegally.
Alternatives to Buying Fentanyl Online
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain management, consider these alternatives:
- Consult with a licensed healthcare provider for a proper assessment and treatment plan.
- Explore non-opioid pain relief options, including physical therapy, acupuncture, or alternative medications.
- If opioids are deemed necessary, ensure they are prescribed by a qualified medical professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it possible to buy fentanyl online legally?
A: No, purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Q: What should I do if I’m in severe pain?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for legal and safe alternatives to manage your pain.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A: Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Conclusion
The inquiry can I buy fentanyl online oftentimes is motivated by the desire to find quick solutions to pain. However, it is critical to navigate this subject with caution. Legalities aside, the potential health risks and consequences associated with purchasing potent substances like fentanyl online far outweigh any perceived benefits. Always prioritize safety and legality by seeking guidance from healthcare professionals.
