Despite the number of overdoses Det. Cardinale has seen in the Valley, he believes the F.O.R.T. program is working. Last year, F.O.R.T responded to 84 overdoses; 34 resulted in death. Det. Cardinale describes vaping as the gateway drug that leads to more serious drug use including cocaine and Fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is typically prescribed for severe pain relief, such as in cases of advanced cancer or post-surgical recovery. However, the illegal sale and distribution of fentanyl have become a growing concern due to its high potency and potential for overdose.
The Surprising Ease of Buying Fentanyl Online
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
Buying fentanyl online can be extremely dangerous, as there is no way to verify the quality or purity of the substance being purchased. Many online vendors who claim to sell fentanyl may actually be selling counterfeit or adulterated products, putting buyers at risk of accidental overdose or other serious health consequences.
Legally made fentanyl can be diverted through theft, fradulent prescriptions, and illicit distribution. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is distributed in powder or tablet (pill) form through illegal drug markets. IMF is added to other drugs, especially opioids, because of its extreme potency. This makes drugs cheaper, more potent, more addictive, and more dangerous. A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is often carefully prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain in people living with cancer, recovering from surgery or who are terminally ill.
How to Safely Purchase Fentanyl Online
Fentanyl Kit
If you have a legitimate medical need for fentanyl and are unable to obtain it through traditional channels, it is important to exercise caution when considering purchasing it online. Here are some tips to help ensure your safety:
Seek a Prescription
Online
Whenever possible, try to obtain a prescription for fentanyl from a licensed healthcare provider. This will not only guarantee the quality of the medication but also ensure that you are using it under proper medical supervision.
Xylazine withdrawal can become a critical medical event requiring hospitalization. Clinicians should be prepared to manage both xylazine and opioid withdrawal symptoms for individuals admitted for care. ​Xylaxine is a powerful non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine.
Research Reputable Online Pharmacies
If you must purchase fentanyl online, make sure to research reputable online pharmacies that require a valid prescription and operate within legal guidelines. Avoid websites that offer fentanyl without a prescription or that seem too good to be true.
These fake prescription drugs can have very unpredictable strength and pose significant overdose risks to would-be users. That’s more Americans than were killed in vehicle accidents or by firearms. One drug, fentanyl, is like rocket fuel in the sharp rise of the crisis. Fentanyl is a painkiller invented in the 1960’s and used to relieve the agony of advanced cancer. But today fentanyl can be ordered on the internet, by drug dealers and addicts, for an online overdose. As we first reported in April, tracking the source of this illicit trade is a story that begins with James Rauh.
Be Wary of Red Flags
A convenience sample was recruited from the 4644 currently practicing community pharmacists who had a valid email address on file with the NCBOP. These pharmacists were invited to participate in a 10-min, confidential, online survey. If given in time, Narcan® (also known as Naloxone) can save the life of someone who is overdosing from opioids.
- Research on public health partnerships with community pharmacies has led to increased naloxone protocols and dispensing [21].
- No drug has fueled the current spike in overdose deaths more than fentanyl.
- That’s according to police and local advocates working with people who use drugs.
- The app is a partnership of ADPH, ADMH, and VitAL of The University of Alabama School of Social Work.
- These may include harm reduction organizations, opioid overdose prevention programs, or needle exchanges.
Watch out for red flags when browsing online vendors, such as low prices, lack of contact information, or requests for payment via untraceable methods like Bitcoin. These are common indicators of illicit or counterfeit products.
Conclusion
While buying fentanyl online may seem convenient, it is not worth the potential risks to your health and safety. Always prioritize obtaining fentanyl through legitimate medical channels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about accessing this medication.
