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Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. It is prescribed for severe pain management, particularly in patients with chronic pain or after surgery.
Fentanyl test strips can be helpful but aren’t always enough. Your seller may not always know what other things could be mixed in your supply. Other drug checking tools like reagent kits can be used, but they can be expensive and legality varies by state (updated as of 2019). In some states like Missouri, they are still considered paraphernalia.
Finally, fentanyl test strips are legal to possess in Colorado, and they are excluded from the definition of drug paraphernalia. Dr. Susan Sherman and Dr. Traci Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV. For this project, they wanted to both test a solution and begin to determine how well it might work in real-world settings. A thin test strip — similar to a pregnancy test — can detect whether a street drug contains the dangerous opioid fentanyl, according to a new report. While California has made some positive strides in the fight against opioids (the latest data show that prescriptions in the state are down), deaths from one particularly powerful opioid, fentanyl, are up.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl
If you are interested in learning about fentanyl and fentanyl test strips, or your organization is distributing fentanyl test strips in the community, register for an upcoming training below. Please note the Health Department does not supply fentanyl test strips to training attendees. Certified providers can order up to 1,200 fentanyl test strips and up to 600 xylazine test strips or set up a naloxone ordering account using the provider and individual request form. Some WA State syringe services programs can provide fentanyl test strips.
Xylazine Resources
Like Stepping Stone, Stepping Out offers the same level of support in an outpatient setting which is flexible and allows people to live in their own home. When you use alcohol, you know when you’re ordering a glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail. You know roughly what the alcohol by volume content is, and you can make choices around how much you’re going to consume and the impact it’ll have on your body. Funding for this material was made possible (in part) by SAMHSA. You can also fill out our general request form and someone from the Overdose Prevention team will reach out to you.
Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription can be extremely dangerous. Some risks include:
The low-cost testing strips — similar to a home pregnancy test — detected the smallest amounts of fentanyl (0.125 micrograms/ml) and were the most accurate at detecting the presence or absence of fentanyl. We investigated three available technologies to provide people who use drugs with information that could save their lives. In San Francisco, they’re known as “commuter drug dealers” due to the fact that they tend to stay in the cheaper East Bay and take the BART downtown.
- Potential for overdose due to the potency of the drug.
- Legal consequences, as it is a controlled substance in many regions.
- Quality control issues, leading to impurities or incorrect dosages.
Clandestine labs across the globe manufacture fentanyl into a synthetic powder. When Sim started selling it he had just graduated high school where he had top grades, good parents and before he turned 20, a major drug operation going between a house and apartment he rented. “That’s the bad thing, taking the word of a drug dealer that what you are getting is what they say it’s going to be, which ultimately ends lives.” But unlike heroin, which requires the poppy plant, fentanyl is a synthetic drug that’s easy to make with the right precursor ingredients. Prescription fentanyl has been around for years, intended for chronic severe pain, trauma and cancer patients. Brand names include Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze where the drug is administered through a patch, injection or lollipop.
- It’s – users will sometimes despite knowing what it’s in it still use.
- Last month, the Canadian government announced $3.5 million in funding to safe supply projects in Vancouver, Victoria, and Toronto.
- They arrived downtown over the winter, on standup scooters wearing matching backpacks.
- Naloxone temporarily knocks the opioids out of the opioid receptors in the brain, this will trigger normal breathing.
Learn tips for how you can help protect your child from accidental overdose. The biggest risk factor is that people are often exposed unintentionally and don’t know to take the proper precautions to use this drug safely. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger than fentanyl, some weaker) are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will respond to naloxone if someone is overdosing. Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that has been used in clinical settings since 1968.
Legal and Safe Ways to Obtain Fentanyl
This means it can block opioid receptors in the body and reverse an opioid overdose for minutes. It is a temporary treatment – so you should still call 911 if someone responds to the medicine. Opioid prescribing by physicians decreased for the 13th consecutive year, but overdose deaths related to illicitly manufactured substances continue to increase.
If you are considering how to buy fentanyl, ensure you are informed about legal channels:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Speak with a doctor to discuss your pain management needs.
- Obtain a Prescription: If deemed necessary, your doctor may prescribe fentanyl patches, lozenges, or injectable forms.
- Pharmacy Purchase: Fill the prescription at a licensed pharmacy to ensure safety and legal compliance.
Alternative Pain Management Options
Before deciding on fentanyl, consider these alternative treatments:
- Non-opioid Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other medications.
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical rehabilitation can alleviate pain.
- Holistic Approaches: Acupuncture or chiropractic services may provide relief.
FAQs about Fentanyl
What is fentanyl used for?
Fentanyl is primarily used to treat severe pain, particularly in patients who are tolerant to other opioids.
Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online from unverified sources poses significant risks, including legal issues and potential exposure to adulterated products.
What should I do if I suspect an overdose?
Call emergency services immediately. If available, administer naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses.
What are the signs of fentanyl addiction?
Signs may include:
- Increased tolerance to the drug.
- Withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug.
- Compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
Conclusion
Understanding how to buy fentanyl legally and safely is crucial for avoiding risks associated with opioid use. Always prioritize consulting healthcare professionals and exploring alternative pain management options.
