Center For Mental Health Services (CMHS)
In this article, we’ll focus on the purchase of drugs online, what the dark web really is, its dangers, how to tell if someone uses it and the best advice if you’re concerned for someone using it. “The word ‘plug’ means ‘hook me up'” with drugs,” Feinberg told TODAY Parents. And misspelled words like “pilz” (pills), “xanaz” (Xanax), “cush” (marijuana) facilitate open discussion without triggering social media safeguards, he said. And dealers indicate large batches of drugs with a cookie symbol while high-potency substances are represented with bomb or rocket emojis. But underneath that “funny, adventurous and determined” energy, Becca was using drugs, her parents said. In September 2020, Becca died from an accidental overdose, after using drugs laced with fentanyl. Considering the potential dangers of drug misuse, obtaining a free Naloxone/Narcan kit and learning how to use it can be a lifesaving precaution for households with teens experimenting with drugs.
Understanding the Risks: How to Find Drugs Online
The report also found that Instagram’s guardrails against drug-related content aren’t working well. The platform bans many drug-related hashtags, like #mdma, but when the fake minor users tried to search that hashtag, Instagram suggested alternates — like #mollymdma. Otway told NBC News that the company will review hashtags to check for policy violations. Drugs.com is the most popular, comprehensive and up-to-date source of drug information online. Providing free, peer-reviewed, accurate and independent data on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines & natural products. “Social media is almost exclusively the way they get the pills,” said Morgan Gire, district attorney for Placer County, Calif., where 40 people died from fentanyl poisoning last year.
In today’s digital age, the internet has changed the way people access a variety of products, including medications. However, it is crucial to navigate this complex landscape safely and responsibly. Here, we will discuss how to find drugs online while highlighting the risks and considerations involved.
For example, many illegal online pharmacies featured hydroxychloroquine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the homepage may focus on drugs like these, the websites usually sell a wide variety of prescription-only drugs. While independent analyses revealed both the wave and GST influenced online illegal purchasing, the potential interaction of these factors was also analyzed. All models met the basic assumptions of logistic regression in that the observations were independent, there were no problems of multicollinearity, and the samples were sufficiently large. First, we examined a logistic regression that included all four waves of data as discrete variables and the measure of GST.
Additionally, the disappearing chat and photo feature on Snapchat can make some drug deals virtually untraceable. Also, innovative features like hashtags, trending pages, “Quick Add” contacts, and disappearing direct messages can all contribute to mass drug distribution that law enforcement struggle to trace. Usually, apps will have algorithms set in place that flag or delete content that explicitly discusses drugs before users see it. For instance, you might have noticed that anytime words like “vaccine” or “COVID” are used in posts or mentioned in videos, the app adds a banner at the bottom of the image or video that offers resources to users. You can protect yourself and your family by being cautious when buying medicine online. Some pharmacy websites operate legally and offer convenience, privacy, cost savings and safeguards for purchasing medicines.
But consumers seeking health products online can find dozens of sites that the FDA says are legally questionable. Many of them specialize in providing medicines for erectile dysfunction, baldness, or weight loss. Others, based in foreign countries, promise to deliver prescription medicines at a much cheaper price than in the U.S.
These deadly, fake pills find their way into teens’ hands through social media drug dealers. According to the Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse, one in five teens have already tried prescription drugs illegally. The majority, an alarming 76 percent of these teenagers, buy these prescription pills illegally through smugglers, forged prescriptions, and online pharmacies. While most apps try their best to limit drug distribution, preventative measures are based on an honor system in which users are expected to report other users who are showing signs of selling or purchasing drugs. Police departments across the nation are doing their best to crack down on dating apps, Instagram, and Snapchat drug dealers.
This month marks one year since Charlie Ternan, a 22-year-old, soon-to-be college graduate, was found unresponsive in his room after taking what he thought to be Percocet® to alleviate his back pain. The pill was unfortunately not a legitimate pain medication but was instead a fentapill, a counterfeit drug containing the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Charlie purchased the pill online from a social media site, which unknowingly connected him to a counterfeit dealer. The convenience of internet shopping attracts many young buyers to turn to social media and internet platforms, not only to buy ordinary goods but also medications. This is especially concerning as the world grows increasingly reliant on the internet for access to health care and public health information.
- There was a time when if you wanted to pick up some weed or anything else, you would have to physically meet the dealer.
- Using an account for a 15-year-old, TTP began by searching for how to buy Xanax, and followed one of the accounts suggested by Instagram.
- For some drug dealers, dealing online may seem like a safer option, as they are able to remain in the safety of their own home away from the police.
- Based on a 2021 ASOP Global survey, nearly half of Americans have purchased prescription medications online.
- On this platform, photos or videos automatically disappear after they’re viewed.
How to Find Drugs Online Safely
Let your kids know that you will be monitoring their phone and internet use. It may feel like you are invading their privacy, but safety is most important. In contrast, the vast majority of online pharmacies make evading the laws part of their business models by selling expensive, high-risk or addictive drugs without prescriptions and without complying with regulatory standards. These dangerous practices allow them to offer drugs at artificially low prices. When the NABP recently reviewed more than 10,000 online pharmacies, it found that 97 percent of these websites violate pharmacy laws and practice standards. Half offered drugs that were foreign or not FDA-approved, and approximately 87 percent did not require a valid prescription from a health care provider.
Finding drugs online requires caution and diligence. Here are several strategies to help you locate medications safely:
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always seek advice from a licensed healthcare provider before searching for medications online. They can provide prescriptions or recommend legitimate online pharmacies.
- Use Verified Online Pharmacies: Look for pharmacies that are verified and accredited by organizations such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or have a VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) certification.
- Check for a Physical Address: Legitimate online pharmacies will provide a physical address and a phone number for customer service. Verify these details before making any purchases.
- Read Customer Reviews: Research customer experiences and reviews to identify trustworthy sources. Be cautious with websites that have many negative reviews or no reviews at all.
- Look for Secure Payment Options: Ensure that the website uses secure payment methods and protects your personal information. Look for URLs that begin with “https://”.
- Be Cautious of Prices: If a website offers medications at prices significantly lower than those at licensed pharmacies, it may be a red flag.
Potential Risks of Buying Drugs Online
While some online pharmacies are legitimate, others pose significant risks:
- Counterfeit Medications: Many online sources sell counterfeit drugs, which may be ineffective or harmful.
- Lack of Professional Guidance: Purchasing medications without a prescription removes the safety net of professional medical advice.
- Legal Implications: Buying prescription drugs without a valid prescription can have legal consequences.
- Privacy Concerns: Your personal and financial information may be compromised if you choose untrustworthy sources.
FAQs About Finding Drugs Online
What should I do if I suspect an online pharmacy is illegitimate?
Report the website to your local regulatory authority or the FDA. Avoid purchasing from that site and seek alternatives.
Can I get prescription medications without a prescription?
While some websites may offer to sell medications without a prescription, this practice is illegal and highly unsafe. Consult your healthcare provider for appropriate prescriptions.
Are there alternatives to buying drugs online?
Consider asking your healthcare provider about local pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, or patient assistance programs if you’re concerned about accessibility or pricing.
Conclusion
Finding drugs online requires careful consideration and vigilance. Always prioritize your health and safety by consulting with licensed professionals and dealing only with reputable sources. Understanding how to find drugs online responsibly can help ensure that you receive safe and effective medications.
