“Overdose” simply means taking too much of a drug, and it is always accidental. Even daily opioid users who know that fentanyl is in their product have no way of knowing the amount. Whether you are testing everything you intend to consume or a smaller portion of your drugs, you need to dilute the powder in the correct amount of water.
Xylazine is not approved or safe for human use in any amounts. When fentanyl or other opioids are mixed with xylazine, the effects on breathing can be life-threatening. If you have questions about a fentanyl prescription that you received from a healthcare provider, talk to your pharmacist or primary care provider.
- You can now buy illicit fentanyl on Washington’s streets for as little as 50 cents a pill.
- These fake pills are increasingly common, and fentanyl may be mixed into them.
- Inconsistent purity and potent cuts ranging from vet medicine (e.g. xylazine) to strong fentanyl analogues (e.g. carfentanil) are just some of the many results of the criminalization of people who use drugs.
- Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years.
- Five people died on the University of Washington campus in Seattle during the past academic year after drug overdoses.
- Together, we can work to achieve zero preventable deaths due to drugged driving.
Understanding Fentanyl
The easiest method is to test the residue from your spoon or cooker. You can use a micro scoop and a bottle cap to test a portion of your drugs. A standard plastic bottle cap holds approximately one teaspoon (5 ml) of water when almost full. Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has also prepared an online fentanyl test strip training, please view below.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times as potent as heroin. People use fentanyl because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way. Many individuals consume fentanyl without knowledge while others use it intentionally because of its potency. A negative result does not guarantee that your drug sample is free from all synthetic opioids.
However, these stronger pills may kill newer users whohave not developed such a tolerance. In addition, some dealers intentionally add deadly amounts to some pills because the death of a user is like an advertisement that that dealer has really strong drugs. In 2009, there were 94 overdose deaths in Multnomah County. It doesn’t harm a person to use Narcan if one is unsure what substances have caused the overdose, but it is only effective for opioid based substances. CNN was granted rare access to the secret lab where the DEA tests and analyzes seized illicit drugs in order to stay ahead of the opioid crisis and track what could be coming next. CSU Health Network provides resources to help students learn how to improve mental health, manage stress and minimize anxiety.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used primarily for pain management in medical settings. It is significantly more potent than morphine and is associated with a high risk of overdose.
Rhode Island has become known for taking a data-driven and evidence-based approach to the opioid crisis. A major element of the strategy is the expansion of access to treatment — both in correctional facilities and in the community. The state also closely tracks a number of vital indicators in a dashboard that is considered one of the most useful and comprehensive in the country.
Legal Considerations
Before exploring how to buy fentanyl, it is crucial to understand the legal implications:
- In many countries, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance.
- Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and punishable by law.
- It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you believe you need this medication.
There are many ways to do this, but one of the most popular is pouring the water into a flat-bottomed glass or ceramic dish (like a Pyrex pie dish) and heating it. Other methods involve double boilers, air evaporation (for small quantities), or even blow driers. Add one teaspoon of water (5 ml) for every 50 mg of powder. Use a milligram scale to get the weight of the crystals or powder you are going to test. If you don’t have a milligram scale, you can use one of our 10 mg micro scoops.
The city’s health department has actively worked to get naloxone, the opioid-overdose reversal medication, into the hands of people who can use it to save lives, and to expand access to addiction treatment. Working with the nonprofit Code in the Schools, the city in 2017 launched a “bad batch” text alert system, to warn people who use drugs when there is a spike in overdose deaths in a certain area. Many substances in the U.S. are laced with fentanyl, a very powerful synthetic opioid painkiller. Fentanyl can be cut into heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and counterfeit pills with brand names like Vicodin, Oxycontin, Adderall and Xanax. People who use substances are at a high risk of overdose if they unknowingly consume fentanyl or take it in larger amounts than they are used to.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is typically prescribed for the management of severe pain, including:
- Cancer-related pain
- Post-operative pain
- Pain for patients who have developed a tolerance to other opioids
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl
What Are The Benefits Of Using Fentanyl Test Strips?
Engaging in the acquisition of fentanyl outside of legitimate medical channels carries significant risks:
- Potential for overdose and death due to incorrect dosing.
- Increased risk of addiction.
- Exposure to unregulated or counterfeit products.
Alternatives to Buying Fentanyl
If you are struggling with pain and considering fentanyl, explore safer alternatives:
- Consult a physician for a proper diagnosis and pain management plan.
- Consider non-opioid pain relievers.
- Explore physical therapy or holistic treatments.
FAQs About Fentanyl
What should I do if I am prescribed fentanyl?
If you are prescribed fentanyl,:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions closely.
- Never adjust your dose without consulting your physician.
- Store the medication safely, out of reach of children and others.
What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Recognizing the symptoms of an overdose is critical:
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up.
- Slow or difficult breathing.
- Blue or purple discoloration of the skin, especially around the lips and fingertips.
Can I become addicted to fentanyl?
Yes, fentanyl has a high potential for addiction, especially with prolonged use. Always use under medical supervision.
Conclusion
Engaging in illegal methods of acquiring fentanyl poses serious health risks and legal consequences. Always prioritize safety, consult healthcare professionals, and seek legal avenues for managing pain effectively.
