Drug Overdose Deaths Remain High Fentanyl Test Strips May Help
Understanding Fentanyl: Can You Buy Fentanyl?
In New York, fentanyl test strips are becoming more common as a way to fight an overdose crisis, and more states are pushing to legalize them. As part of our harm reduction plan at UCSC Student Health Services, SHOP and the Cove have partnered to provide Naloxone and Fentanyl Testing Strips (FTS) to our students. Our aim is to keep students safe and reduce the risk of overdose death. Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips are available confidentially and at no cost. They can be used to test drugs for traces of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, allowing a person using drugs to know what they are putting into their body, and take the proper steps to prevent an overdose.
Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. Due to high levels of stress, first responders and health care workers are at risk for substance use disorders. The Heroes Helpline is a free, confidential, telephone support line available to EMS and health care workers. Callers can access free peer support, learn how to navigate treatment and referral services, and receive information on employment and licensing concerns.
The question “can you buy fentanyl” is often raised in discussions surrounding drug use, legality, and safety. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, primarily used to treat severe pain, particularly in medical settings.
If you are actively using drugs, testing for HIV and hepatitis C every six months can help keep you healthy. Before using, wash or sanitize your hands and any surfaces used to prepare the drugs. Then, use an alcohol wipe or soapy water to clean your injection site.
Below is a lethal dose of heroin compared with lethal doses of carfentanil and fentanyl. Explore the information below to learn more and see what resources are available to the community. In Seattle, the price of the dangerous opioid is as low as 40 cents a pill in wholesale bulk purchases, said Detective Judinna J. Gulpan, a spokesperson for the Seattle Police Department. However, the street price is usually around $3 to $5, Gulpan said. You can now buy illicit fentanyl on Washington’s streets for as little as 50 cents a pill.
Regardless of how vendors try to conceal their fentanyl listings on the dark web, their activities can nevertheless be exposed through blockchain analytics. In another instance, we have identified on-chain payments between vendor clusters and suppliers of pill presses and dies – equipment needed for manufacturing precursors. This indicates that some vendors are directly involved in the manufacturing and supply, as well as onward distribution. Our research also shows that alongside darknet markets, some darknet vendors have set up smaller online stores selling fentanyl. On-chain data reveals that one of them – named “One Stop Shop Pharmacy Online” – procured fentanyl from the dealer Alex Peijnenburg, who has been sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
What is Fentanyl?
- You have the facts and are ready to start having real talks with the people in your life about opioids.
- He’d been in and out of rehab more than half a dozen times when fentanyl inundated Ohio.
- Fentanyl use can increase your risk of overdose, especially if you do not regularly use opioids.
- A positive result on the test strip alerts the individual to the presence of fentanyl in their drugs before ingestion.
Look for information at Indiana Addiction Treatment or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area. Only take prescribed medicines purchased over-the-counter at a pharmacy. While fentanyl overdoses can be reversed with naloxone, the high potency of the drug means more naloxone is needed to counteract it, both Anand and Ward said.
Even if your drugs test negative for fentanyl, use caution and follow the harm reduction steps (see below) if you are using drugs for recreational purposes. DAY Programs offers services to students who are concerned about their substance use or are required to complete an assessment or engage in treatment by the University’s disciplinary system. Programs include screenings for substance use, trainings, identity workshops, and more. Fentanyl Test Strips are for anyone who is using unregulated drugs and need to determine if fentanyl is present.
Local Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs or OOPPs connect New Yorkers with naloxone, naloxone training, fentanyl test strips, and safe syringe access and disposal services. Xylazine is being incorporated into the illicit drug supply and is now geographically spread throughout the United States. Xylazine has frequently been found mixed with opioids (including fentanyl) and stimulants (including methamphetamine and cocaine).
Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II prescription drug, meaning it is available legally for medical use but is tightly controlled due to its high potential for abuse and addiction.
- Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
- It can be administered through patches, lozenges, or intravenously.
- Illicit versions have flooded the market, often mixed with other drugs.
Legality of Fentanyl
When considering “can you buy fentanyl“, it is crucial to understand its legal status:
- Prescription: Fentanyl can be legally obtained with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
- Illegal Purchase: Buying fentanyl without a prescription or from illegal sources is against the law and poses significant health risks.
Risks Associated with Buying Fentanyl
Obtaining fentanyl from illegal sources can lead to numerous dangers:
- Overdose Risk: Illicit fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, leading to unpredictable dosages.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing or possessing fentanyl illegally can result in severe legal penalties.
- Health Risks: Without proper medical guidance, users may face severe side effects or addiction.
FAQs About Fentanyl
- Q1: Can you buy fentanyl legally?
- A1: Yes, fentanyl can be purchased legally with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Q2: What happens if I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
- A2: Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can lead to severe legal and health consequences.
- Q3: Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
- A3: Fentanyl’s potency makes it extremely dangerous, particularly when used without medical supervision.
Conclusion
In summary, while the question “can you buy fentanyl” is straightforward in terms of legal acquisition through prescriptions, the risks associated with its improper use cannot be overstated. Those considering its use should engage in open discussions with healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment options.
