Understanding the Market for Fentanyl
- This information could inform immediate actions, such as making sure naloxone in nearby and warning others using the same batch of drugs.
- If you see powder or a crushed pill on a nearby surface, do not touch it or attempt to remove it.
- We don’t know if their lab shut down, but the network has been, at least for now.
- Like most in Akron, Ohio, he’d never heard of fentanyl until the police told him his son was dead.
- If children are caught in school with drugs, they can be arrested, and the investigation will probably reach back to the household with Child and Family Services involved.
“The truth is pretty colors are probably contributing very little to the opioid problem; it’s not the color of fentanyl that is the problem. Very few teens who are choosing to consume an addictive and potentially fatal drug will be swayed by a color,” says Dr. Peterson. Although experimental drug use by teenagers in the United States has been dropping since 2010, their deaths from fentanyl have skyrocketed, to 884 in 2021, from 253 in 2019, according to a recent study in the journal JAMA.
Fentanyl mixed (adulterated) with xylazine has been declared an emerging drug threat (link) by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. If you can’t be in the company of someone else who is sober, plan to have someone check in on you in case you need help. If you are with friends who are also using, have someone else check in on all of you. Ensure that everyone knows where to access it and how to use it in case of an emergency. Drug traffickers often mix fentanyl into other drugs because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way.
These behavioral treatment approaches have proven effective, especially when used along with medicines. Read more about drug addiction treatment on the Treatment page. “Because fentanyl is so powerful, patients are having greater physical withdrawals,” Ward said. “We’ve seen an uptick in the amount of medication we’ve had to prescribe for some patients just to keep them stable.” “Usually by the time somebody is transitioning to fentanyl, they’re already needing to use pretty consistently throughout the day to feel normal, to not be in withdrawal,” Kast said.
The question of do people buy fentanyl often emerges in discussions about the opioid crisis and drug addiction. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is primarily used medically to treat severe pain. However, its illegal distribution has raised significant concerns.
The Legal Purchase of Fentanyl
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. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. Heroin is made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of an opium poppy plant typically grown in Asia, Mexico and Colombia. It’s often portrayed in film and television as a needle drug, but the substance can also be snorted or smoked.
There has been recent coverage in the news about multi-colored pills known as “rainbow fentanyl” being sold and used in several states. Of course, parents may be concerned that their teens will be attracted to these candy-like opioids. However, Dr. Peterson suggests that parents that not overly worry about the colorful versions of fentanyl, but make sure to communicate to their kids about avoiding any and all drugs. Fentanyl or fentanyl-laced substances are typically sold online via eCommerce websites, social media like Snapchat or through friends.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, please reach out for help. Speak with a healthcare provider or visit the links below for support and treatment resources. If someone is unconscious or has any of these signs, administer naloxone and call 911 immediately. Refer to the Save Lives Oregon “Reverse Opioid Overdose with Naloxone Nasal Spray” guide (pdf) for the six steps to reverse an opioid overdose.
In a medical context, fentanyl can be legally purchased through prescribed medications. Patients suffering from conditions such as cancer or undergoing surgeries may require fentanyl
Key points about legal purchases:
- Available in various forms: patches, lozenges, injections.
- Strict regulations govern prescriptions and dispensing.
- Healthcare professionals assess the need versus risks.
Parents, Guardians, And Families
The Black Market for Fentanyl
Despite its medical usefulness, fentanyl’s potency has led many to question do people buy fentanyl illegally? The answer is yes. The illegal market for fentanyl is rampant, driven by high demand and low supply of other opioids.
Factors contributing to illicit fentanyl purchases include:
- High addiction rates: Fentanyl is significantly more potent than morphine, leading to increased addiction cases.
- Cost: Illicit fentanyl is often cheaper than prescription opioids on the black market.
- Accessibility: Drug traffickers frequently distribute fentanyl, making it easy for users to obtain.
Impact on Communities
Communities are severely affected by the illicit trade of fentanyl. The rise in its use is linked to a surge in overdose deaths, posing a dire public health crisis.
Some statistics to consider:
- Over 70% of opioid-related deaths involve synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
- Many users are often unaware that they are consuming fentanyl-laced products.
FAQs About Fentanyl
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain, significantly more potent than morphine or heroin.
Is fentanyl legal?
Yes, fentanyl is legal when prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, illegal forms of fentanyl are prevalent on the black market.
Why do people buy fentanyl illegally?
Reasons include increased addiction, cost-effectiveness, and ease of access compared to prescription opioids.
What are the risks of buying fentanyl?
Illegally purchased fentanyl can lead to overdose and death due to its potency and the unknown quality of the product.
The question do people buy fentanyl reflects broader issues surrounding drug addiction and the opioid epidemic. Efforts to address the crisis must consider both medical and social aspects to create effective strategies for prevention and treatment.
