Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, particularly in patients undergoing surgery or those suffering from chronic pain conditions.
Others were concerned that because smoking fentanyl is easier and often more appealing than injecting it, it could result in more widespread use. And there’s no data to suggest that smoking fentanyl reduces the risk for fatal overdoses. In medical settings, fentanyl is used to treat patients in severe pain, such as people just out of surgery.
However, the misuse and illegal distribution of fentanyl have led to a significant public health crisis.
This can dangerously slow or stop breathing which may lead to death. Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. Centre on Substance Abuse (BCCSU) has revealed that nearly all substances labeled as heroin sold in Vancouver contain the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. While regular opioid users are at highest risk for overdose, consuming any form of fentanyl poses a significant risk for overdose.
Fentanyl testing strips and related education allows people to better understand their risk of an overdose. But even in the controlled conditions of a hospital, there is still a risk that using fentanyl can reduce breathing rates to dangerously low levels, the main cause of opioid overdose deaths. For those taking fentanyl in nonmedical settings, there is no medical team available to monitor someone’s breathing rate in real time to ensure their safety. Even though it has pharmaceutical uses, illegal fentanyl often gets mixed with heroin or cocaine to increase the drug’s effects. And people who aren’t aware of it being mixed into their supply are at a much greater risk of overdosing.
One hundred thousand people died nationwide from overdoses in 2021. That’s something that Atkinson stresses, because he’s been there himself. It just takes that one time to seek resources that could change the course of a person’s life.
If there is a new variation or analog, the test strip likely won’t catch it until manufacturers add it to their products. Fentanyl moving through the street market comes in a powder form and can be injected, smoked, or snorted. It has also been found in other drugs, like heroin, meth, cocaine, and pressed pills. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times as potent as heroin. People use fentanyl because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way.
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. This is likely not a new trend, and numerous vendors possibly also deal with other drug substances alongside fentanyl. Vendor clusters with Bitcoin payments to fentanyl suppliers have also been identified interacting with dark web marketplaces that have since gone offline, such as Silk Road and Hydra. The drug also causes a shorter-lived high than other opioids, meaning users must take the drug more frequently to avoid withdrawal.
- Dr. Susan Sherman and Dr. Traci Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV.
- One dark web marketplace – the since-retired “ASAP Market” – was particularly selective about enforcing its apparent “no fentanyl” policy.
- Physicians like me have seen a rise in unintentional fentanyl use from people buying prescription opioids and other drugs laced, or adulterated, with fentanyl.
- Published literature supports that people are willing to use fentanyl test strips and change behavior as a result of a positive test.
Can You Buy Fentanyl?
The question, “can you buy fentanyl,” is complex and draws attention to the issues of legality, safety, and the implications of inquiring about such a potent substance.
Legally, fentanyl can only be obtained through a prescription from a licensed medical professional. Its legal distribution is strictly controlled due to the potential for abuse and addiction.
Where is Fentanyl Legally Available?
If someone is wondering can you buy fentanyl legally, the answer primarily revolves around these options:
- Hospitals and clinics for patients undergoing serious health issues.
- Pharmacies with valid prescriptions for pain management.
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
Purchasing fentanyl outside of a legal framework poses significant risks:
San Francisco’s Newest Tool To Prevent Opioid Overdoses Tests Drugs, Starts Conversations
- Legal Consequences: Buying or possessing fentanyl without a prescription can lead to serious legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
- Health Risks: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be counterfeit, diluted, or mixed with other substances, leading to dangerous overdoses.
- Dependency: The risk of developing an addiction or dependency is heightened when fentanyl is misused.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can fentanyl be prescribed for chronic pain?
Yes, fentanyl is often prescribed for patients with chronic pain, particularly when other pain relief methods are ineffective.
2. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs of overdose include:
- Severe drowsiness or inability to wake up
- Weak or absent breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
- Pinpoint pupils
3. How is fentanyl administered?
Fentanyl can be administered in several forms, including:
- Patches for transdermal use
- Injectable forms in clinical settings
- Lollipops or buccal tablets for quicker absorption
Conclusion
In conclusion, while can you buy fentanyl legally is a question that can be answered with the stipulation that it must be through medical channels, the illegal purchase of fentanyl carries severe risks and legal implications.
It is essential to understand the dangers associated with this potent drug and to seek help through legitimate medical resources for pain management.
