Understanding Fentanyl and Its Legal Status
With regular use of fentanyl and other opioids, a person’s body can become physically dependent. This means that when a person suddenly stops using opioids, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, including body aches, shivers, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. When someone overdoses on fentanyl or any opioid, their respiratory rate will slow, they will get sleepy and by the time we would say that they have overdosed, they would be unconscious. They would also have small pupils and would be minimally breathing or not breathing at all.
Guardian Recovery understands the importance of providing quality substance use treatment and is committed to this standard for each of our clients. Call today to take your first step towards a life of freedom from addiction. Overdose deaths have been increasing in the United States for decades, but the introduction of fentanyls has led to a staggering rise, accounting for the vast majority of overdose deaths in recent years. Keep naloxone where family, friends and close contacts can easily get it in an emergency.
Deadly Fentanyl Bought Online From China Being Shipped Through The Mail
- If the person then uses after their tolerance has decreased, the same amount of fentanyl can potentially lead to an overdose.
- Fentanyl use can increase your risk of overdose, especially if you do not regularly use opioids.
- Greenwell got hooked on narcotic pain medication after back surgery.
- It works by causing water to be retained (kept) in the stool, softening the stool so it is easier to pass.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, commonly used in medical settings to treat severe pain. However, due to its potency, misuse of this substance can lead to serious health risks, including addiction and overdose.
There are concerns about the platforms being used for online bullying and inappropriate sexual messaging, as well as used by adult predators to contact youths. The Substance Use and Tobacco Prevention Program (SUTPP) utilizes an integrated approach for the prevention of alcohol abuse and drug use and the prevention and control of tobacco use. Visit Rali NH for more information on efforts to prevent the misuse of prescription medicines around the state. Pain is real and can seriously impact the quality of your life. How you manage your pain is important to think about because these choices can also impact your health and well-being.
Fentanyl comes as four different transmucosal products and several other types of products. The medication in each product is absorbed differently by the body, so one product cannot be substituted for any other fentanyl product. If you are switching from one product to another, your doctor will prescribe a dose that is best for you.
The number of overdose deaths in the U.S. from synthetic opioids doubled from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, 744 people from Washington died from an opioid related overdose and 198 of these deaths included fentanyl. Dealers often add fentanyl to illegal drugs (like cocaine and heroin) and to counterfeit pills being passed off as authentic prescription medications like Xanax and OxyContin. Fentanyl is relatively cheap to manufacture, and a small amount goes a long way. While fentanyl continues to be used medically—in microgram doses administered with rigid safeguards—the DEA reports that more than a dozen fentanyl variants are now being produced illegally.
Legality of Purchasing Fentanyl
Mixing fentanyl into heroin magnified the potency and also, the risk. King County worked with Rescue Agency to create Laced & Lethal, a campaign to educate youth about fentanyl, and how to respond to overdose. Fentanyl deaths are rising quickly for young people in WA State. This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional.
One common question arises: Can I buy fentanyl without a prescription? The short answer is no. In most countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This classification indicates that fentanyl has a high potential for abuse and is only available legally through a prescription provided by a licensed healthcare professional.
Rainbow fentanyl, like all forms of fentanyl, is extremely potent and dangerous. This is not all the information you need to know about fentanyl and does not take the place of your healthcare provider’s advice. Discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider. According to the DEA, 42% of pills they tested for fentanyl contained at least 2 mg of fentanyl, a potentially lethal dose. Drug traffickers typically distribute fentanyl by the kilogram.
Why a Prescription is Necessary
There are several reasons why a prescription is required for fentanyl:
- Medical Supervision: Strength and dosage need to be carefully monitored by a healthcare provider.
- Risk of Addiction: Fentanyl is highly addictive, making it essential for a professional to evaluate and manage use.
- Potential for Misuse: The risk of overdose is significant, underscoring the need for a controlled and supervised administration.
Risks of Obtaining Fentanyl Illegally
Attempting to purchase fentanyl without a prescription can lead to dangerous consequences:
- Legal Repercussions: Buying or possessing fentanyl illegally can result in serious criminal charges.
- Health Risks: Obtaining fentanyl from unregulated sources poses a risk of receiving counterfeit or contaminated substances.
- Increased Overdose Risk: Without proper medical guidance, users may not understand proper dosing, leading to fatal situations.
Alternatives for Managing Severe Pain
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain management, several alternatives exist:
- Consult a healthcare provider: They can recommend appropriate medications or therapies based on individual needs.
- Physical therapy: This can help alleviate pain without the use of potent opioids.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications may be effective for moderate pain relief.
FAQs About Fentanyl
1. What is fentanyl used for?
Fentanyl is primarily used for pain management in patients with severe pain, often after surgery or those with chronic pain conditions.
2. What happens if I try to buy fentanyl illegally?
Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription can lead to legal action and serious health risks, including overdose.
3. Are there safe alternatives to fentanyl?
Yes, alternatives include other prescribed pain medications, physical therapy, and holistic treatments.
In conclusion, attempting to obtain fentanyl without a prescription is both illegal and dangerously risky. For anyone in need of pain management, seeking advice from a qualified healthcare professional is the safest path forward.
