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What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is frequently found in all drugs (cocaine, meth, street purchased pills, etc.)• TEST THE SUPPLY. Knowing whether fentanyl is present in the drug can help guide decisions related to use.• NEVER USE ALONE. Having someone with them allows them to call 911 and provide care if they overdose.• IF THEY DO USE ALONE, HAVE THEM ASK SOMEONE TO CHECK ON THEM. They can ask someone to check on them in 5 minutes (either by phone, text, in person).• BE AWARE OF THINGS THAT PLACE THEM AT GREATER RISK OF OVERDOSE. Using slowly allows their body to adjust and gives a person time to understand how the drugs may affect them.• TRY SNORTING OR SMOKING INSTEAD.
Research by the Washington State Department of Health reveals that individuals using fentanyl test strips take steps to reduce their risk of overdose. North America is in the midst of an unprecedented overdose epidemic. In 2016, provisional data indicates that overdose mortality increased over 20% from 2015 to reach a record high of 64,070 deaths [1, 2]. The opioid overdose epidemic, once dominated by prescription opioid misuse, is now driven by the use of heroin and other illicit drugs [3,4,5,6]. Heroin-related deaths have quadrupled since 2010, while prescription opioid deaths have increased only slightly [7, 8]. Since the widespread introduction of illicitly manufactured fentanyl into the drug supply in North America in 2013 [11], fentanyl-related deaths have sharply increased [8, 14].
You know roughly what the alcohol by volume content is, and you can make choices around how much you’re going to consume and the impact it’ll have on your body. Fentanyl test strips used at the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia in Charleston. Only share sensitive information on official, secure websites. Learn how to stay safe with fentanyl with these shareable infographics, available in English, Español, and Português. We are available by phone and are holding a mix of in person and virtual meetings throughout the week. The most dangerous side effect of fentanyl is it can cause you to stop breathing, which can lead to death.
If they don’t have access to clean syringes, they may reuse or share needles, which increases their risk for HIV, hepatitis C and wounds. In 2019, UCSF funded a successful pilot project to distribute fentanyl test strips to San Francisco veterans at the center. The pilot paved the way for similar projects at other Veteran Affairs’ centers nationwide.
Understanding Fentanyl: Can You Buy Fentanyl?
This emphasizes how, in this instance, the transparency of cryptoassets can be used to identify activity that illicit actors may have gone to great lengths to conceal. The second implication is how these risks are assessed and uncovered. 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.
Some counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids like oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin) and alprazolam (Xanax), or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall). Fake prescription pills that are widely accessible can contain deadly doses of fentanyl. They are often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms — making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including teens and young adults. Texans should only take legitimate pharmaceutical medications prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by pharmacists in the U.S. However, many states are changing their policies to help prevent opioid overdoses and save lives. By now, you may know a family shattered by the opioid epidemic.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, often utilized in medical settings for pain management. However, the question arises: can you buy fentanyl? The answer is complicated but important to address.
The Legality of Fentanyl
In most countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance. This means:
- Prescription Required: Fentanyl can only be legally obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Regulated Use: Its distribution is heavily monitored to prevent misuse and illegal sales.
- Potential for Abuse: Because of its potency, fentanyl carries a high risk for addiction and overdose.
Where Is Fentanyl Available?
For those who have a legitimate medical need, fentanyl is available in various forms:
- Pharmaceutical Formulations: These include patches, lozenges, and injectable forms prescribed by a doctor.
- Hospitals and Clinics: Administered in medical facilities for patients undergoing various treatments.
Illicit Markets and Risks
While fentanyl can be obtained legally through prescriptions, the drug is also commonly found in illegal markets. Some key points to consider include:
- Unsafe Sourcing: Purchasing fentanyl from unregulated sources is highly dangerous and illegal.
- Contamination Risks: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Legal Consequences: Being caught in possession of illicit fentanyl can lead to severe legal repercussions.
FAQs about Fentanyl
Q: Can I buy fentanyl online?
A: Buying fentanyl online is illegal without a prescription, and many websites offer counterfeit products, posing significant health risks.
Q: What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
A: Always follow your doctor’s instructions closely and fill your prescriptions at licensed pharmacies.
- According to the FDA, THC is the abbreviation for the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a psychoactive component or substance of the marijuana plant.
- The vaping is going to come back in full force, and I think we’re going to start seeing an increase in overdose, in overdose deaths,” said Det. Cardinale.
- Most people don’t know it is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
- Severe drowsiness or inability to stay awake
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Cold or clammy skin
- Blue-colored lips or nails
Q: How can I seek help for fentanyl addiction?
A: Seek a healthcare professional’s guidance or contact a local addiction support group or hotline.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to can you buy fentanyl is that it is legally available by prescription for medical purposes, while illegal purchases pose substantial risks to health and safety. Understanding the implications and legality is crucial for anyone navigating this topic.