Xylazine mixed with fentanyl or other opioids can increase the chances for fatal overdose because both drugs slow and stop breathing. Fentanyl use can increase your risk of overdose, especially if you do not regularly use opioids. Anyone who uses drugs that may contain fentanyl, even occasionally, may be at risk of overdose. You can’t see, smell or taste fentanyl when it’s mixed with other drugs. If you use heroin, cocaine or crack—even rarely—you’re at risk of a fentanyl-involved overdose. Some WA State syringe services programs can provide fentanyl test strips.
It was supported by many community partners including Savage Sisters, The Everywhere Project, South Philly Punks with Lunch, and 24HRPHL. The campaign targeted areas that had seen an increase in overdoses as well as areas where people use drugs recreationally. Illicit fentanyl related products are described including the different forms it can appear in. The rise in use and overdoses are described as well as some of the reasons for these changes. Implications for overdose prevention and initiating treatment with medications for opioid use disorder are described.
Understanding Fentanyl: Can You Buy Fentanyl?
Research has shown that people who use fentanyl test strips often make changes that can keep them safer. In one study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 70% of participants said they would change their behavior if they knew the drugs they used contained fentanyl. These agencies are receiving fentanyl test strip packages directly from the manufacturer. Each package contains one fentanyl test strip and instructions on how to use it. The participating organizations are handing out the packages at no cost.
DDPHE distributes the intranasal spray naloxone under the brand name Narcan. It is also important to note that COVID-19 can impact someone’s respiratory function and we are unsure how COVID-19 impacts someone’s risk to overdose. The window to respond to an overdose may be shorter with fentanyl. If a person is not breathing enough, oxygen levels in the blood decrease. The lack of oxygen eventually inhibits the function of other vital organs including the heart and the brain. This can lead to unconsciousness, coma, and ultimately death.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used for pain management, especially in patients who have developed tolerance to other opioids.
It may be laced into other illegal street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fake opioid pills, or methamphetamine (“meth”). It is relatively cheap to make and allows an illicit drug manufacturer to stretch their product, make it more powerful and addictive, and gain more money for themselves. 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.
Even though it has pharmaceutical uses, illegal fentanyl often gets mixed with heroin or cocaine to increase the drug’s effects. And people who aren’t aware of it being mixed into their supply are at a much greater risk of overdosing. The truth is, most people have no idea whether or not their drugs contain fentanyl. The only way to determine a substance contains fentanyl is by testing for it. And since most interactions with fentanyl are accidental, most people are not prepared for a potential overdose. Test strips are inexpensive and typically give results within 5 minutes, which can be the difference between life or death.
These are photos of counterfeit pills collected from a drug seizure in Oregon. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. It is short acting and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled when mixed into other drugs.
As a result of its potency, fentanyl is often associated with a high risk of addiction and overdose, making it a topic of serious discussion within both medical and legal frameworks.
Legality of Purchasing Fentanyl
When considering the question, can you buy fentanyl, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications surrounding its purchase and use.
- Prescription-Only Medication: In many countries, fentanyl can only be obtained through a doctor’s prescription. This means that purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal.
- Prescription Variants: Fentanyl may come in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions, all of which require a valid prescription.
- Black Market Risks: Some individuals may seek out fentanyl through illicit channels. This poses significant legal and health risks, including potential legal ramifications, and the danger of receiving adulterated substances.
Health Risks Associated with Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl unlawfully carries substantial health risks, particularly due to the following factors:
- High Potency: Just a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal, particularly for those who are not tolerant to opioids.
- Overdose Potential: There is an increased risk of overdose when fentanyl is mixed with other substances, often without the user’s knowledge.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: For those who are addicted, stopping fentanyl can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that require medical intervention.
Life-Saving Tools
Safe Alternatives to Fentanyl
If you are in need of pain relief but are concerned about the legality and risks of fentanyl, consider the following alternatives:
- Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Always seek advice from a medical professional who can recommend appropriate alternatives based on your medical history.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Non-opioid pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be helpful for mild to moderate pain.
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can provide relief without the risks associated with opioids.
FAQs
Can you buy fentanyl legally?
No, fentanyl cannot be purchased legally without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- The feds also shut down what prosecutors say were the Zheng’s 40 websites selling illegal drugs in 20 languages.
- We are available by phone and are holding a mix of in person and virtual meetings throughout the week.
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat the most severe pain.
- While fentanyl overdoses can be reversed with naloxone, the high potency of the drug means more naloxone is needed to counteract it, both Anand and Ward said.
- While the test strips aren’t fool proof, they are another tool that could give you that chance.
What are the dangers of buying fentanyl illegally?
The dangers include legal consequences and health risks such as overdose, addiction, and encountering contaminated products.
Are there alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
Yes, alternatives include over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, non-opioid prescription medications.
Is fentanyl safe when prescribed by a doctor?
When used as directed under medical supervision, fentanyl can be safe and effective for managing severe pain, but it still carries risks.
Conclusion
While the query can you buy fentanyl might seem straightforward, it opens up a complex conversation regarding legality, health risks, and safe practices for pain management.
Understanding the implications of such a powerful substance is essential for ensuring personal safety and compliance with the law.
