Test For Fentanyl
Understanding the Market for Fentanyl
And yet those myths and stereotypes continue to drive our policies, our clinical models, the way the public thinks about drug use. This has long been a fear that if you give people tools to make something safer, they’re going to take greater risk. But we actually have really good evidence in the drug-use space that harm reduction interventions don’t encourage drug use. When we look at people who are dying with multiple substances present, the vast majority of the time they also have fentanyl present. It’s hard to know if they were intentionally using multiple substances simultaneously or if it was an unintentional exposure. The U.S. has sealed off the overseas bank accounts of Guanghua Zheng and his son.
As a powerful synthetic opioid, fentanyl has gained notoriety for its role in the ongoing opioid crisis. A pressing question arises: do people buy fentanyl? This article delves into the various reasons behind the purchase of this potent substance and the implications of such actions.
Counties that have greater access to naloxone have lower rates of overdose death, and that’s been shown here in Massachusetts. See the impact of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids on drug overdose deaths. Some drug dealers are mixing fentanyl with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. This is because it takes very little to produce a high with fentanyl, making it a cheaper option. This is especially risky when people taking drugs don’t realize they might contain fentanyl as a cheap but dangerous additive.
A growing number of schools are installing kits stocked with naloxone, also known as Narcan, amid an alarming surge in teen overdoses. NBC News’ Morgan Radford reports from Camden County, New Jersey, to learn about one district’s plan to protect students as dangerous fentanyl becomes more prevalent. In Ohio alone, unintentional drug-related overdoses caused the death of 4,050 residents in 2016. To address this deadly scourge, in Ohio, HSI completely shifted its investigative portfolio. In the last year, the agency tripled its focus on drug trafficking-related probes, which now account for more than 50 percent of all cases. HSI has doubled the number of special agents assigned to work these complex cases.
- Giving naloxone to someone who has overdosed restores normal breathing, by reversing the effects of opioids.
- You never know when you’ll encounter someone in need of this life-saving medication.
- Today, there are about 9,300 websites selling drugs illegally on thedarkweb.
- People who are experiencing an overdose may have extremely slowed or stopped breathing, make choking, gurgling or snoring sounds, have blue lips or fingertips, or are completely unresponsive.
- This same participant said he had tried fentanyl intentionally one time and strongly disliked the experience.
This number may increase as more death reports from 2022 are finalized. Currently 100% of xylazine involved deaths in Minnesota have also had fentanyl on board. Some patients and healthcare professionals may not be fully aware of the dangers of this very strong narcotic.
Experts consider 2 mg of fentanyl to be lethal, but many counterfeit pills contain up to 5 mg (more than twice the lethal dose). Check out the image to the side for scale to see what 2 mg of fentanyl looks like. Any drug in any form (powder, pill) you get from a dealer, friend or an online source could have fentanyl in it. You can’t smell or taste fentanyl and fake pills made from fentanyl can look like real pills from a pharmacy. There’s no way to know if -or how much- fentanyl may be in them. Prescription opioids are not the only option for pain management.
People using xylazine can develop a dependence and may be at risk of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. Xylazine withdrawal can become a critical medical event requiring hospitalization. Clinicians should be prepared to manage both xylazine and opioid withdrawal symptoms for individuals admitted for care. Counterfeit pills are extremely dangerous because people purchasing them may think they are purchasing legitimate prescription medications.
Fentanyl: A Brief Overview
Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II prescription drug, primarily used for treating severe pain, especially in cancer patients. Its potency is approximately 50 to 100 times greater than that of morphine. Despite its legitimate medical uses, the dark side of fentanyl is its illegal production and distribution.
Reasons People Buy Fentanyl
The transaction starts with advertising on apps like Instagram or Facebook, public platforms where dealers will post suggestive emojis looking for customers. After a connection is made, the seller and buyer will transition to more secretive apps where messages either delete after sending or come encrypted to discuss the terms of the transaction. After that, payment is sent, drugs are shipped, and within minutes, the deal is done. The drug and fentanyl epidemic is moving to the social media sphere, and many parents do not know their kids are part of it. Chart includes drug cases submitted to a D.E.A. database from participating federal, state and local forensic laboratories.
There are several motivations behind why individuals may seek out fentanyl:
- Addiction: Many users initially start with prescribed opioids but may transition to fentanyl due to its stronger effects.
- Cost: Black market fentanyl can be cheaper than other opioids, leading users to choose it for financial reasons.
- Accessibility: Fentanyl is often easier to find on the streets compared to prescription painkillers.
- Potency: Users may seek out fentanyl for its intense effects, unaware of the potential dangers.
Forms of Fentanyl Available for Purchase
Fentanyl can be found in various forms, which can influence purchasing decisions:
- Pills: Counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl are often sold as legitimate prescription medications.
- Powder: Users can purchase fentanyl powder that can be mixed with other substances.
- Transdermal patches: These are medical forms of fentanyl but can be misused and bought illegally.
Risks Associated with Purchasing Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl, especially through illegal channels, poses serious risks:
- Overdose: The margin of error in dosing is very slim, leading to potential overdose and death.
- Legal consequences: Being caught with illegal fentanyl can lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Health risks: Impure or counterfeit fentanyl can contain unknown additives, increasing health risks.
FAQs about Fentanyl Purchases
1. Is fentanyl only available illegally?
No, fentanyl is available legally through prescriptions for pain management but can be illegally produced and sold on the black market.
2. What are the signs of fentanyl addiction?
Signs may include withdrawal symptoms, changes in behavior, neglect of responsibilities, and an obsession with acquiring the drug.
3. How can someone safely manage pain without fentanyl?
Alternatives include physical therapy, non-opioid medications, and holistic approaches, under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The question do people buy fentanyl reflects a larger issue within society regarding addiction, accessibility, and the opioid crisis. Understanding the motivations and risks associated with fentanyl can help in addressing this urgent public health concern.
