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Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is prescribed for severe pain relief. However, it has also gained notoriety for its illicit use and contribution to the opioid crisis. So why do people still buy fentanyl despite its dangers?
If fentanyl is used by a child or an adult who has not been prescribed the medication, try to remove the medication from the person’s mouth and get emergency medical help. A common misconception is that these counterfeit prescription drugs are being laced with fentanyl. However, in the majority of counterfeit drugs, it isn’t lacing; it is substitution.
Why are opioids risky?
The Appeal of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is known for its potency, being up to 100 times stronger than morphine. This makes it highly effective in managing intense pain. Additionally, its fast-acting nature provides quick relief, making it appealing for those seeking immediate pain management.
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Accessibility and Affordability
A fourth law will allow the distribution of Narcan or other opioid antagonists to Texas colleges and universities. Experts say if Texas wants to solve the overdose problem, officials here must fully realize the state has an overall drug issue that goes beyond fentanyl. The victims in these cases are of diverse backgrounds, with two of the deceased victims being minors and one a community college student. In most of the cases, the victims did not know they were ingesting fentanyl, which can be deadly in tiny amounts. Some of the alleged drug traffickers knew or had reason to believe their products contained fentanyl, even though they claimed to be selling other narcotics. One such individual was a 49-year-old Ohioan who sent roughly $2,500 to an online seller over the course of 10 months—from May 2016 to February 2017.
Unfortunately, fentanyl’s potency and affordability have also made it attractive to individuals looking for a cheap high. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often much cheaper than other opioids, making it accessible to those struggling with addiction. Despite the risks of overdose and death, the allure of a powerful high at a low cost can be too tempting for some.
Touching Fentanyl
This common definition excludes cases where alcohol poisoning or alcoholism, carbon monoxide poisoning, etc., was coded as the underlying cause of death. Thus, these deaths are best described as drug poisonings involving the drug or category of drugs specified. Press the “Death rates” button to see rates per 100,000 residents, and the “Percent of opioid deaths” to see what percentage of all these deaths involved each of the three main subtypes. As noted above, specification of opioids into subtypes in death certificate data has improved over the years. Thus, part of the increase in the share of opioid deaths involving heroin was due to better documentation of heroin by medical examiners.
- One measure to prevent fentanyl overdose is distributing naloxone to bystanders.
- It won’t hurt them to have naloxone, even if it’s not an overdose.
- Pharmaceutical opioids have declined after 2006 as heroin increased, and starting in 2016 other synthetic opioids started increasing.
- Any opioid pill not from a pharmacy is highly likely to be fake and contain fentanyl.
- Det. Cardinale describes vaping as the gateway drug that leads to more serious drug use including cocaine and Fentanyl.
- Xylazine has frequently been found mixed with opioids (including fentanyl) and stimulants (including methamphetamine and cocaine).
Street Availability
U.S. drug seizures containing fentanyl
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. Opioid use disorder is a medical condition that can affect anyone who uses opioids.
Fentanyl has become increasingly available on the streets, often mixed with other drugs like heroin or cocaine. This has contributed to the rise in accidental overdoses as users may not be aware of the presence of fentanyl in their drugs. Its widespread availability in the illicit drug market has made it easier for individuals to purchase and use fentanyl without a prescription.
In conclusion, the reasons why people buy fentanyl vary from seeking pain relief to chasing a cheap high. Despite its dangers, the accessibility and potency of fentanyl continue to attract individuals looking for a quick fix. It is crucial for education and awareness efforts to address the risks associated with fentanyl use and help prevent further harm in our communities.
