It’s Dangerous
Understanding Fentanyl: A Brief Overview
Health departments and community-based organizations across the country have been stepping up to respond to the opioid crisis. This project aimed to identify a potential tool they can use to prevent overdose deaths and engage with people who use opioids to help them move toward addiction treatment and other services. They’re important because we live in an era of contaminated drug supply. The illicit drugs (meaning those that people buy outside of a pharmacy or from an unregulated source) have become incredibly contaminated.
If you’re using opioids in Massachusetts, you’re almost certainly using fentanyl. Right now, we exist in an era where the illicit drug supply in this country is unregulated, contaminated, and often poisonous. One way to keep people safe is to give them knowledge of what it is that they’re using. Fentanyl test strips are not a panacea, but they are a way for someone to know if fentanyl is present or not. Used syringes can be exchanged for sterile ones at Brandywine Counseling locations throughout the state. Test strips, which detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs, are also available — fentanyl was involved in 85% of overdose deaths in 2022.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used in medical settings for pain management. It is significantly more potent than morphine and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means its use is strictly regulated. Unfortunately, fentanyl is also involved in the illicit drug trade, leading to significant public health concerns.
Prescription fentanyl has been around for years, intended for chronic severe pain, trauma and cancer patients. Brand names include Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze where the drug is administered through a patch, injection or lollipop. The Food and Drug Administration the week of Oct. 23 cleared for marketing the first over-the-counter test to detect fentanyl in urine.
The amount of water needed depends on the specific drug being tested. They were originally designed to check urine for fentanyl, but harm reduction advocates found that the tests could work when a little bit of the product was mixed with water. Many substances are laced with other substances, like fentanyl. Learn tips for how you can help protect your child from accidental overdose.
Fentanyl test strips are used to detect small amounts of fentanyl and prevent accidental overdose. If you choose to use substances, or are around people that do, there are practices that help lower the risk of overdose. While regular opioid users are at highest risk for overdose, consuming any form of fentanyl poses a significant risk for overdose. Because Fentanyl is strong and often hidden in other substances, accidental overdose can occur quickly and unexpectedly. It is the primary driver of overdose mortality in Massachusetts and across the nation. In Massachusetts, fentanyl was present in 93 percent of the opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022.
- Test strips are convenient and easy to use, taking just a few minutes to get results.
- Training programs in Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services website.
- “A lot of people have used drugs that have flowed through cryptomarkets without knowing what cryptomarkets are,” he said.
- And, why some have yet to add what one doctor calls ” the latest and greatest,” in helping to save lives.
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.
Look for information on your state or local health department’s website or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area. Our peer parent coaches have weighed in on the topic of encouraging their loved ones to use test strips. They know how deadly fentanyl can be, in some cases having lost their children to overdoses. By far and away, they view this as a much-needed safety measure to reduce the risks of overdose and death. Routine testing for xylazine by the Oregon State Medical Examiner began in 2020.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Safely
When considering where to buy fentanyl, it is crucial to understand the legal and safety implications. The only legitimate way to acquire fentanyl is through a prescription provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Consult a licensed doctor who can assess your medical needs.
- Use reputable pharmacies to fill your prescription.
- Consider visiting hospitals or specialized clinics that manage pain treatments.
Recognizing the Risks of Illicit Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl from unauthorized sources poses serious health risks. The following points outline why this is dangerous:
- Variability in Potency: Illicitly obtained fentanyl can be mixed with other substances, leading to unpredictable dosages.
- Legal Consequences: Buying fentanyl outside of prescribed channels can result in legal issues.
- Health Risks: Use of counterfeit or contaminated drugs can lead to overdose or death.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it legal to buy fentanyl online?
Purchasing fentanyl online is only legal if the website is a licensed pharmacy and you hold a valid prescription.
2. What should I do if I encounter illicit fentanyl?
Report it to local authorities and avoid any contact, as it can be extremely dangerous.
3. How can I ensure I am obtaining fentanyl safely?
Always obtain fentanyl from licensed healthcare providers and pharmacies to ensure safety and legality.
Conclusion
Understanding where to buy fentanyl safely is essential for anyone considering its use for legitimate medical reasons. Always prioritize your health and legal standing by following proper channels and consulting healthcare professionals. Illicit activities surrounding fentanyl can lead to severe consequences, both legally and physically.
