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Below is a lethal dose of heroin compared with lethal doses of carfentanil and fentanyl. Learn how to stay safe with fentanyl with these shareable infographics, available in English, Español, and Português. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
The test strips can be used to test injectable drugs, powders and pills. That being said, those fighting substance use disorders who are willing to take the potentially fatal risks that come with consuming illicit pills can reduce their chances of overdosing by using FTS. The Institute’s research shows a sharp rise in deaths from synthetic opioids, the most common of which is fentanyl and its analogues, eclipsing heroin deaths in 2020. The Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR) provides test strips and naloxone to both individuals and organizations. In addition to distributing these supplies at pop-ups and community events listed on our events page, there are a few ways you can get naloxone and test strips to prevent a fatal overdose in your community.
While all opioids can be deadly, fentanyl is especially dangerous because it is so strong—much stronger than heroin or morphine. When comparing the years between 2019 and 2021 in Georgia, all drug overdose deaths increased by 56%. Over the past year and a half, as fentanyl, which can be 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, has killed tens of thousands of Americans, 16 additional states have passed laws legalizing the strips. Mississippi, Ohio and South Dakota have joined about 20 other states, including New York, where the strips were already legal.
Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the United States are linked to illicitly made fentanyl. Illicitly made fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills, which are made to look like prescription drugs or may be added to other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine. Fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine, in unregulated injectable drugs, powders and pills. Research by the Washington State Department of Health reveals that individuals using fentanyl test strips take steps to reduce their risk of overdose. Fentanyl is 50–100 times more potent than heroin, with a rapid onset of action and relatively short duration of effect [3]. In some cases, people who use drugs (PWUD) unknowingly consume fentanyl or are unaware of the ratio of fentanyl to other substances in what they consume, which puts them at greater risk of overdose.
A potentially lethal dose of fentanyl can be as little as two milligrams, equivalent in size to a few grains of salt. Unfortunately, there is no way to know if a substance is or contains fentanyl just by looking at it. In King County, fentanyl-involved overdoses kill two people in our community every day. Nationwide, fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide and other accidents. We partner with a number of local organizations to make sure Naloxone and test strips are available city-wide. Below are a few of our partners that are able to provide regular access to resources.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Risks
This has long been a fear that if you give people tools to make something safer, they’re going to take greater risk. But we actually have really good evidence in the drug-use space that harm reduction interventions don’t encourage drug use. My hope is the test strips could become even more available so that someone could go to a drugstore, pharmacy, or convenience store and be able to purchase them. We want multiple touchpoints and multiple avenues for people to be able to empower themselves and stay safe.
We may ask for your zip code or other pertinent geographic information in order to track calls being routed to other offices or to accurately identify the local resources appropriate to your needs. GPB is committed to bringing you comprehensive news coverage from Georgia, across the country and around the world. Please consider making a gift today to support this vital public service. Ellen Eldridge (she/her) is the senior health care reporter for Georgia Public Broadcasting. The campaign raises awareness of some of the dangers of illegal drugs, and provides an opportunity to take harm-reducing steps. Talk to your doctor about having naloxone on hand if you or a loved one is prescribed opioid medication.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management. However, its high potency also makes it a substance of concern due to the potential for abuse and overdose.
In recent years, there has been increasing curiosity surrounding the question: where can I buy fentanyl? This inquiry often arises from various motivations, including the need for medical relief or illicit intentions.
Legitimate Sources of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is primarily available through legal, regulated sources. Here are some ways to obtain it safely:
- Prescription: Fentanyl can be prescribed by a healthcare professional for managing severe pain, especially post-surgery or for chronic pain conditions.
- Pharmacies: Once prescribed, it can be purchased from licensed pharmacies that stock opioid medications.
- Hospitals: In a controlled setting, fentanyl may be administered directly by healthcare providers for patients undergoing treatment.
Illegal Sources and Risks
It is crucial to emphasize that seeking out fentanyl from unofficial or illegal channels poses significant risks:
- Illicit Purchases: Many individuals look for fentanyl on the dark web or through street dealers. This is extremely dangerous due to the lack of regulation and quality control.
- Overdose Risk: The risk of overdose from illegally obtained fentanyl is high, especially because it can be mixed with other substances, often without the user’s knowledge.
- Legal Consequences: Buying or possessing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Data sources include Micromedex (updated 4 Feb 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Feb 2024), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2024) and others.
- The kits also included a NEXT Distro card, which is a mail-based program where people can receive free Narcan and fentanyl test strips.
- Additional drug-specific educational cards that advise testing drugs for fentanyl and carrying naloxone can be found here.
FAQs on Fentanyl Purchasing
Where can I buy fentanyl legally?
Fentanyl can only be purchased legally with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider at licensed pharmacies.
What should I do if I have a fentanyl prescription?
Follow your doctor’s dosage instructions closely, and discuss any concerns about the medication with your healthcare provider to ensure safe use.
What if I encounter fentanyl in street drugs?
If you suspect fentanyl is present in street drugs, it’s imperative to avoid consumption and seek help if necessary. If you or someone you know is affected by substance use disorder, professional assistance is available.
Conclusion
While the question where can I buy fentanyl may stem from a place of curiosity or need, it is essential to navigate this topic with caution. Legal access is strictly regulated, and any illegal avenues come with serious health and legal risks. Always prioritize safety and consult healthcare professionals for legitimate medical needs.
