Studies have shown that fentanyl test strips can increase awareness and lead to safety precautions to help prevent an overdose. A lethally potent drug is driving the rapid rise in overdose deaths, killing thousands of people who don’t even know they’ve taken it. The fentanyl test strips given away were packaged into kits including 10 strips, each with instructions on how to use them, a pocket-sized set of instructions with pictures, and information on fentanyl. The kits also included a NEXT Distro card, which is a mail-based program where people can receive free Narcan and fentanyl test strips. Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping. But if you’re going to use street drugs, testing them for fentanyl first might save your life.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain, typically in patients who are already opioid-tolerant. It is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and can be highly addictive. Because of its potency, fentanyl has become a popular drug for illicit use, often mixed with other drugs like heroin or cocaine. This has led to a surge in overdose deaths in recent years.
- When these drugs became harder to get for nonmedical use, heroin use increased.
- He does it when he wakes up and before he goes to work, and sometimes on breaks.
- Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using.
- Initial results suggest that rapid fentanyl test strips may be an acceptable harm reduction intervention for communities facing growing rates of fentanyl overdoses.
- Your tolerance for opioids (like oxy or fentanyl) could lower in as little as 3 – 7 days.
We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. Lower your dose with a DanceSafe branded “Less is More” pill cutter. Don’t leave your drugs in the oven for too long after they’re dry. If your drugs weren’t brown to begin with, a tan or brown tint might mean that you’ve burned them.
Fentanyl Information And Safety Tips
Can You Buy Fentanyl Legally?
Harm reduction strategies to prevent overdoses vary a bit by the specific type of drug, but generally include using less, testing your drugs, using a less risky method of administration, and not using alone. For opioids, there is a medication that can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose. Fentanyl is the main driver of opioid overdose deaths in Washington state. In 2022, the drug was involved in 90% of fatal opioid overdoses in the state and 65% of all overdose deaths, according to the University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug and Alcohol Institute.
Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is only available by prescription. It is typically administered in the form of a transdermal patch, lozenge, or injection. In some cases, it may be prescribed as a tablet or nasal spray. However, because of its high potential for abuse, fentanyl is closely monitored and regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Access Healthcare
Can You Buy Fentanyl Illegally?
Delaware’s Good Samaritan Law offers criminal and civil protection for individuals acting in good faith to assist someone who has overdosed on drugs or alcohol. DanceSafe is an organization that promotes health and safety within the electronic music community. The video below describes how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose using naloxone.
Illegally produced fentanyl, often manufactured in clandestine labs, is a major concern for law enforcement agencies. This form of the drug is often mixed with other substances, such as heroin or cocaine, and sold on the street. It is also commonly found in counterfeit pills that are made to look like prescription medications. Illegally produced fentanyl is highly dangerous because it is often made with impure or unknown substances, which can increase the risk of overdose.
Stop Opioid Overdose
Is It Safe to Buy Fentanyl Online?
No, it is not safe to buy fentanyl online. The internet is filled with websites that claim to sell fentanyl and other controlled substances, but these sites are often scams or operated by illegal drug traffickers. Purchasing drugs online from an unregulated source is dangerous and can lead to serious legal consequences. Additionally, there is no way to know the purity or safety of the drug you are purchasing, increasing the risk of overdose or other adverse effects.
FAQs
- Can you buy fentanyl without a prescription? No, fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance and is only available by prescription.
- Is it safe to use fentanyl recreationally? No, fentanyl is highly addictive and can be deadly when used recreationally. It is also illegal to use fentanyl without a prescription.
- What should I do if I suspect someone is using fentanyl illegally? If you suspect someone is using fentanyl illegally, it is important to seek help immediately. Contact your local law enforcement agency or call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
In conclusion, while fentanyl is a powerful and effective pain medication when used appropriately, it is also a highly dangerous drug when used illegally. It is important to understand the risks associated with fentanyl and to only use it under the guidance of a licensed medical professional. If you suspect someone is using fentanyl illegally, seek help immediately.