Content
Study follow-up is ongoing to determine whether, how, and under what circumstances participants used the rapid test strips and if a positive result contributed to changes in overdose risk behavior. Among the U.S. cities with the highest number of people who use heroin, Baltimore is taking novel steps to address the opioid epidemic within its boundaries. 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.
California Experiments With Distributing Fentanyl Tests
Mississippi, Ohio and South Dakota have joined about 20 other states, including New York, where the strips were already legal. And bills to legalize them are pending in almost every remaining state where they are still barred, as they are considered drug paraphernalia. With such a strong narcotic some members of law enforcement are having to use as many as six injections of Naloxone to reverse the overdose. Without Naloxone and immediate medical attention, the risk of death is extreme. 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.
- These test strips save lives and by distributing them, the city is giving those struggling with substance use disorder a tool to avoid overdosing.
- Find information on trainings, education, access to Naloxone and supplies, and other harm reduction resources.
- Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) is urging caution following the discovery of a powdered form of fentanyl circulating in the county’s illicit drug market.
- Many street drugs have been found to contain fentanyl, which has become a leading cause of overdose death.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often used in medical settings for pain management, but its high potency and addictive properties have also made it a popular drug of abuse. With the rise of the opioid epidemic, many people are wondering, “can I buy fentanyl?”
Prevention Point Philadelphia
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl
It is possible that participants who have previously experienced an opioid overdose, or had an overdose they thought was caused by fentanyl, may be more willing to use the fentanyl testing strips. Finally, this study relied on self-report, which may be subject to socially desirable reporting. However, evidence has shown a high association between willingness to use a harm reduction program and subsequent uptake of the intervention among people who use drugs [38]. Beginning in May 2017, we recruited participants from the 2015 RAPIDS study, 61% of whom previously agreed to be contacted for future research studies. The eligibility criteria for RAPIDS included being aged 18 to 29, residing in Rhode Island, not currently being in alcohol or substance abuse treatment programs, and reporting past 30-day non-medical use of prescription opioids. From May to September 2017, we recruited additional young adults who use drugs in Rhode Island through internet advertisements (e.g., Craigslist and Reddit), digital bus advertisements, public canvassing, and word of mouth.
Can I buy fentanyl? The short answer is yes, but it’s important to understand the risks associated with buying and using this drug. Fentanyl is highly addictive and can lead to serious health consequences, including respiratory depression, overdose, and death. It is also illegal to possess or distribute fentanyl without a valid prescription, and doing so can result in severe legal penalties.
One of the biggest risks of buying fentanyl on the street is that it is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. This can make it difficult for users to know exactly what they are taking and can increase the risk of overdose. Fentanyl is also sometimes sold as a counterfeit version of other drugs, such as Xanax or OxyContin, which can be particularly dangerous for unsuspecting users.
The Legal Consequences of Buying Fentanyl
Can I buy fentanyl and not face legal consequences? No, it is illegal to possess or distribute fentanyl without a valid prescription. In fact, the penalties for fentanyl possession and distribution are often more severe than those for other drugs due to its high potency and potential for harm.
In the United States, for example, possession of fentanyl can result in up to 20 years in prison, while distribution can carry a sentence of up to life in prison. These penalties can vary depending on the amount of fentanyl involved, the user’s prior criminal history, and other factors.
Alternatives to Buying Fentanyl
Fentanyl And Fentanyl Analogues
For the past three years, he’s been buying fentanyl and its analogues, like carfentanil, online. When he receives it, he measures it out in water, which he says makes for greater accuracy. Now, for that amount, he can get enough fentanyl to last more than three weeks. If you choose to use substances, or are around people that do, there are practices that help lower the risk of overdose. People experiencing an opioid overdose will not respond if you try to talk to them, yell, or shake them.
If you are struggling with pain or addiction, there are safer and more effective alternatives to buying fentanyl on the street. Here are a few options:
- Prescription medication: If you have a valid prescription, you can obtain fentanyl or other opioids from a licensed pharmacy. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and to only take the medication as directed.
- Non-opioid pain management: There are many non-opioid options for pain management, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Talk to your doctor about the best options for your specific situation.
- Addiction treatment: If you are struggling with addiction, there are many resources available to help you. This may include inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to buy fentanyl on the street, it is important to understand the risks and legal consequences associated with doing so. Fentanyl is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that can lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and death. It is also illegal to possess or distribute fentanyl without a valid prescription, and doing so can result in severe legal penalties.
If you are struggling with pain or addiction, there are safer and more effective alternatives to buying fentanyl on the street. Talk to your doctor about the best options for your specific situation, and remember that help is available if you need it.
