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Understanding Fentanyl and Its Availability
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used for pain management. However, its potency has led to significant concerns regarding misuse and overdose.
How To Recognize An Official Oregon Website
Since then, law enforcement seizures of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have grown dramatically in Oregon. The amount of seized fentanyl in Oregon’s high intensity drug trafficking areas (HIDTA) increased from 690 dosage units (counterfeit pills) in 2018 to more than 2 million in 2022. Fentanyl has now surpassed methamphetamine as the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon.
Please help keep our LGBTQ community safe by learning about fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, usually found in powdered form. Overdose can be avoided by having fentanyl test strips with you to help detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs including cocaine, meth, heroin and other opioids. Or, by having Narcan with you, which can help to prevent a fatal overdose.
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home. If you take fentanyl without knowing it, you might get a much higher dose of opioids than your body can handle, putting you at risk for an overdose. They detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs you intend to use. In 2020, there were 812 overdose deaths in Wisconsin where illegally manufactured fentanyl was considered to be probable or suspected in contributing cause of death.
- 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.
- Stop the Clock connects community members with pharmacies and other sites that offer naloxone.
- The seller will also feature Xanax, “MUHA MINIS”, which is lingo used for vape cartridges, starting at $40 a cartridge.
- Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger than fentanyl, some weaker) are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will respond to naloxone if someone is overdosing.
- Future research is needed to determine if a higher level of concern about overdose will predict actual rapid test strip utilization or more consistent use patterns.
Those asking, “Can I buy fentanyl?” need to consider both the legal and health implications associated with this drug.
Friends, family, and others in the community can use the nasal spray versions of naloxone to save someone who is overdosing. Because drugs purchased on the street can contain fentanyl and other unknown substances, it is important to test drugs before using them. There are no negative side effects of using Naloxone and no potential for misuse or dependence. However, naloxone may put a person dependent on opioids into withdrawal, which can be a very painful and uncomfortable experience.
You can request that free naloxone and test strips be mailed discreetly to your home after taking a brief online training. You do not need insurance to receive naloxone through this service. Visit NEXT Distro to request that naloxone be mailed directly to your home. If you or someone you’re close to uses opioids or street drugs, these ideas may help protect them. Dr. Susan Sherman and Dr. Traci Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV. For this project, they wanted to both test a solution and begin to determine how well it might work in real-world settings.
What is Fentanyl?
If someone has smoked anything (including tobacco) in a public setting, you can help reduce negative health impacts by opening windows and doors to get rid of the smoke. Overdoses from fentanyl have had a devastating impact on San Francisco, and our nightlife and entertainment community has been hit particularly hard. Contact the syringe services program or Dept. of Health and Human Services in your state. These groups may be able to provide test strips free of charge, or know where you can get them. As our county vice agents fight back against what’s being sold on the streets, fentanyl patch users can take extra safety measures as well. After a patch is used it may still contain residual levels of the drug.
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Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used medically, but the illicit version has become a major contributor to the opioid crisis.
Legality of Purchasing Fentanyl
In most countries, including the United States, purchasing fentanyl legally requires a prescription. This means:
- You can only buy it at a licensed pharmacy.
- A healthcare professional must prescribe it for a legitimate medical reason.
Attempting to buy fentanyl from illegal sources can result in severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
Acquiring fentanyl without a prescription poses significant risks, such as:
- Overdose: Due to its high potency, miscalculating the dosage can lead to fatal overdoses.
- Contamination: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other dangerous substances.
- Legal issues: Purchasing fentanyl illegally can result in being charged with drug trafficking or possession.
FAQs about Fentanyl
Q: Can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
A: No, acquiring fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Q: What should I do if I need pain relief?
A: Consult a licensed healthcare provider to discuss safe and legal treatment options.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Cold or clammy skin
- Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
Conclusion
In summary, while the question “Can I buy fentanyl?” may arise, it is crucial to understand the legal and health risks involved. Always seek medical advice and use prescription medication as directed by a healthcare professional.
