This is why it’s best to assume that all drugs not prescribed and handed to you by a pharmacist are mixed with fentanyl, xylazine, or other drugs. Distributors in the US sell counterfeit pills on social media, appealing to a younger, more opioid naïve audience that use social media apps. Opioid naïve individuals are at high risk of accidental overdose because they do not have a tolerance for opioids, may not have access to naloxone, and may not know how to decrease overdose risk.
- DanceSafe is an organization that promotes health and safety within the electronic music community.
- Fentanyl moving through the street market comes in a powder form and can be injected, smoked, or snorted.
- The tests also check for many variations of fentanyl known as analogs.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is a highly addictive drug that can cause serious harm or even death when misused. With the opioid epidemic continuing to affect communities across the country, it’s important to understand the risks associated with fentanyl and the legal consequences of buying or possessing it.
Access Healthcare
Is it Legal to Buy Fentanyl?
No, it is not legal to buy fentanyl. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is subject to strict regulations. It is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess fentanyl without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
What are the Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally?
How Can A Fentanyl Overdose Be Treated?
Buying fentanyl illegally can have serious consequences, both for the buyer and for the community. Here are some of the risks:
Then, use an alcohol wipe or soapy water to clean your injection site. Overdoses from fentanyl have had a devastating impact on San Francisco, and our nightlife and entertainment community has been hit particularly hard. To buy his fentanyl, the man uses “darknet” sites, which are unlisted on search engines, rely on a special private browser for access, and don’t tie his username to his identity. He says most of the sites on the regular internet, which the Senate report focused on, are scams in which dealers will take money and fail to deliver. (The Senate investigators did not actually make any purchases.) Or, these so-called “clearnet” sites lead to arrests.
What Are Opioids?
- Overdose: Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and even a small amount can be lethal. When bought illegally, there is no way to know the exact strength or purity of the drug, which can lead to accidental overdoses.
- Addiction: Fentanyl is highly addictive, and buying it illegally can lead to a cycle of addiction and dependence.
- Legal Consequences: Possessing, distributing, or manufacturing fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
- Contamination: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be contaminated with other substances, such as heroin or cocaine, which can increase the risk of overdose or other adverse effects.
FAQs
Why Fentanyl Is So Incredibly Dangerous
Can you buy fentanyl online?
No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl online without a valid prescription. Online marketplaces that sell fentanyl without a prescription are illegal and can be shut down by law enforcement. Buying fentanyl online also increases the risk of receiving a contaminated or mislabeled product.
Can you buy fentanyl patches or lollipops without a prescription?
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.
No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl patches or lollipops without a valid prescription. These forms of fentanyl are only available by prescription and are subject to strict regulations. Possessing or distributing them without a prescription is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences.
What should I do if I suspect someone is buying or selling fentanyl illegally?
Rhode Island has become known for taking a data-driven and evidence-based approach to the opioid crisis. A major element of the strategy is the expansion of access to treatment — both in correctional facilities and in the community. The state also closely tracks a number of vital indicators in a dashboard that is considered one of the most useful and comprehensive in the country. Sherman and Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV. People who use street drugs often don’t even know they’re taking fentanyl.
If you suspect someone is buying or selling fentanyl illegally, you should contact your local law enforcement agency. Providing information about illegal drug activity can help keep your community safe and prevent the spread of addiction and overdose.
Use this state-based locator to find a pharmacy, clinic, health department, or community based organization in your area that provides naloxone distribution. We suggest calling ahead to confirm inventory and in the case of pharmacy access, request information about co-pay. That being said, those fighting substance use disorders who are willing to take the potentially fatal risks that come with consuming illicit pills can reduce their chances of overdosing by using FTS. CSU Health Network provides resources to help students learn how to improve mental health, manage stress and minimize anxiety. These include online 24/7 tools, groups and workshops, multicultural counseling, one-on-one services and more. WhatFree training and dispensing of Narcan® nasal spray used to treat suspected opioid overdoses.
How can I get help if I or someone I know is struggling with fentanyl addiction?
If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, there are many resources available to help. You can contact your healthcare provider or a local addiction treatment center for information and support. There are also many support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, that can provide guidance and encouragement on the path to recovery.
In conclusion, it is illegal to buy fentanyl without a valid prescription, and doing so can have serious consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, there is help available. Contact your healthcare provider or a local addiction treatment center for more information and support.
