Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is commonly used for pain management, but unfortunately, it has also been linked to a growing number of overdoses and deaths. Due to its high potency, fentanyl can be particularly dangerous when taken in excess or without a prescription.
How Safe Injection Facilities Could Reduce Fentanyl Overdoses
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. It’s important to note that while Fentanyl testing strips have been decriminalized in the state of Florida, they may still remain “illegal,” meaning the law may still allow police to confiscate them. To best keep up with the legality of Fentanyl testing strips, it’s always important to check your local city or state ordinances. The findings come as the head of the National Crime Agency (NCA) told the Guardian that vast majority of the synthetic opioids coming into the UK were from China. The NCA said that most synthetic drugs, including the synthetic cannabinoid spice, came into Britain from the east Asia. The number of deaths in England and Wales caused by the synthetic opioid fentanyl rose by 29% in 2017, according to Office for National Statistics figures.
Legitimate Sources
If you are in need of fentanyl for medical reasons, the safest and most reliable way to obtain it is through a licensed healthcare provider. This ensures that you are receiving a properly prescribed dose and that the medication is coming from a reputable source.
Office of Addiction Services and Supports
Illicit Sources
On the other hand, obtaining fentanyl from illicit sources is extremely risky and illegal. There have been cases of counterfeit medications containing fentanyl being sold on the black market, which can be extremely dangerous due to the unknown potency and purity of the drug.
National report: Apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada (released March
Offers support for people seeking recovery or support from alcoholism. You might need more doses if one doesn’t work after 2-3 minutes. Rescue breaths are one of the most important steps you can take while waiting for the person to breath on their own. Teenagers and young adults are turning to Snapchat, TikTok and other social media apps to find Percocet, Xanax and other pills. The vast majority are laced with deadly doses of fentanyl, police say. People struggling with substance use can contact the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline to be connected to treatment options.
- Like Stepping Stone, Stepping Out offers the same level of support in an outpatient setting which is flexible and allows people to live in their own home.
- Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay test strips designed to quickly and cheaply test urine for the presence of fentanyl.
- Other types of organizations are expected to be eligible to participate in the program in future phases.
- You can check with your local health department for availability and information on where to buy fentanyl test strips in your community.
California has set aside $4 million to distribute fentanyl testing strips as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1 billion overall plan to address the crisis. Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs that come in powder form. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids such as oxycodone. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without the use of fentanyl test strips because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Online Pharmacies
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, please reach out for help. Speak with a healthcare provider or visit the links below for support and treatment resources. If someone is unconscious or has any of these signs, administer naloxone and call 911 immediately. Refer to the Save Lives Oregon “Reverse Opioid Overdose with Naloxone Nasal Spray” guide (pdf) for the six steps to reverse an opioid overdose. Xylazine use can lead to unresponsiveness, forgetfulness or memory loss, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and reduced breathing. Xylazine can also cause wounds and may lead to life-threatening infections that can cause conditions like endocarditis and sepsis.
There have also been reports of fentanyl being sold through online pharmacies without a valid prescription. It is important to avoid purchasing any medications from these sources, as they may not be regulated and could potentially be harmful.
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Street Dealers
In some cases, individuals may come across fentanyl being sold by street dealers. However, this is highly dangerous as the drug may be cut with other substances or be of unknown strength, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
In conclusion, if you are in need of fentanyl for legitimate medical reasons, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider. Obtaining fentanyl from illicit sources, including online pharmacies and street dealers, is not only illegal but also puts your health at serious risk.
