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. The inexpensive strips have been embraced by treatment organizations as a way to reduce harms from illicit drug use. Nearly 40 states have legalized their use, according to the Network for Public Health Law. The Gazette spoke with Sarah Wakeman, the senior medical director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham about the legal shift over use of the products. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, please reach out for help.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II prescription drug, and it is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. However, the illegal use of fentanyl has become a significant public health concern in recent years.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a highly addictive substance, and it can cause serious harm or even death when misused. The drug can slow down breathing and heart rate, leading to unconsciousness or overdose. In fact, fentanyl is responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths in the United States each year.
Offers support for people seeking recovery from crystal meth addiction. Offers support for people seeking recovery or support from alcoholism. Explore this page to connect with LGBTQ-affirming programs and resources for recovery and support. Too many people in our community are disproportionately affected by substance use disorder. In Philadelphia, there are a few ways to get naloxone and test strips and learn to use them.
Fifteen participants were recruited and interviewed between January 2019 and January 2020. Nearly 50% of the sample had been released from incarceration within the past year, 40% within the past 1–3 years, and two had not been incarcerated for 4 or more years. Only one participant had received OEND training prior to enrollment in the study. Most reported using drugs for two decades or more (mean 24 years, s.d. 13.6 years). Among the nine participants who reported no opioid use, 8 used crack cocaine and 1 used methamphetamine. An additional six participants reported regular opioid use in combination with at least one stimulant.
It is important to note that fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, without the user’s knowledge. This can make it even more dangerous, as the user may not be aware of the true strength of the drug they are taking.
“We’ve seen an uptick in the amount of medication we’ve had to prescribe for some patients just to keep them stable.” Until recently, intentional use of fentanyl was mostly limited to the West Coast, but in the past few years, addiction specialists have seen an uptick in use of the drug across the country. Your health impacts how your body is able to respond to overdose and overamping.
Fentanyl Test Strips: Where To Get & How To Use?
The Legalities of Buying Fentanyl
FOX26 News confirmed with Fresno Unified School District beginning this year all middle and high schools will carry Narcan. The reversing agent is administered through a nasal spray reversing the effect of an opioid overdose, in particular, fentanyl. Fentanyl test strips are paper strips used to detect the presence of fentanyl in injectable substances, powders, and pills.
What Should You Ask Your Health Care Professional Before Taking Opioids?
In the United States, it is illegal to possess, sell, or distribute fentanyl without a valid prescription. The drug is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
If you are caught buying or possessing fentanyl without a prescription, you could face serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. It is also illegal to import or export fentanyl across international borders.
Fentanyl Strips & Narcan Access
People take fentanyl to help with pain (such as cancer pain) that other medicine has not been able to help with.
Where to Get Help
Public Awareness
If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. There are many resources available to those who need assistance, including treatment centers, support groups, and counseling services.
It is also important to remember that fentanyl is a dangerous drug that can cause serious harm or even death. If you are considering using fentanyl, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider first to understand the risks and potential benefits.
Conclusion
- Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
- The best way to use them is to dissolve all the drugs you plan to use in water.
- The Rapid Response™ Fentanyl Test Strip Kit (Liquid / Powder) is an easy to use, dipstick test.
- One gram of fentanyl is around 50 times more powerful than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- As Sim explained, a single gram could kill thousands of people.
- Nearly two-thirds of people who use drugs surveyed for this project had experienced an opioid overdose at least once, and 8 in 10 attributed their last overdose to fentanyl.
In conclusion, buying fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences. The drug is highly addictive and can cause serious harm or even death when misused. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.