Illicit fentanyl can be manufactured for use in the illegal drug market. An estimated 77% of the overdose deaths in the United States in 2021 involved fentanyl. If you suspect that your child is misusing any opioids or other substances, reach out to your child’s school counselor, a drug counselor, mental health professional or visit your pediatrician for a substance-use screening. Your child may need to receive treatment from a drug rehabilitation center.
Because there is no official oversight or quality control, these counterfeit pills often contain lethal doses of fentanyl, with none of the promised drug. Research demonstrates a strong link between exposure to traumatic events and problematic substance use. Many people who have experienced child abuse, assault, war, natural disasters, or other traumatic events turn to alcohol or drugs to help cope with emotional pain, sleep disturbances, intrusive memories, anxiety, or terror.
- With a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be administered.
- There has been recent coverage in the news about multi-colored pills known as “rainbow fentanyl” being sold and used in several states.
- One drug, fentanyl, is like rocket fuel in the sharp rise of the crisis.
- Physical dependence results in withdrawal symptoms when individuals abruptly stop taking the drug.
- After calling 911, place any unconscious person in the recovery position while you wait for help to arrive.
Understanding the Context: Do People Buy Fentanyl?
Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences. With the nation still in the grips of an opioid epidemic that began decades ago, the crisis has deepened in recent years with the introduction of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home. British Columbia declared the overdose crisis a public health emergency in 2016. Since then, more than 8,500 people have died of drug overdoses, with last year being the deadliest on record.
Prescription opioids have always been used to alleviate serious pain, such as after surgery. The opioid crisis, that is the rise in opioid overdose deaths, can be outlined in three distinct waves. The first wave began with increased prescribing of opioids in the 1990’s, with overdose deaths involving prescription opioids (natural and semi-synthetic opioids and methadone) increasing since at least 1999. The second wave began in 2010, with rapid increases in overdose deaths involving heroin.
The question of do people buy fentanyl is a complex one that touches on various aspects including legality, addiction, and the ongoing opioid crisis.
The California Department of Health Care Services offers free naloxone to qualified organizations, including schools and universities. When you get naloxone, open the box to see how it works so you’re prepared in an emergency. A baby with severe fentanyl withdrawal can develop seizures and die. Real-world observations suggest that long-term use of fentanyl may have both mental and physical effects.
To get extremely potent opioids, users turn to the dark web—and sometimes, Google. 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.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. It is prescribed for severe pain, particularly in patients experiencing intense discomfort from conditions like cancer. However, its illicit use has led to an increased rate of overdose deaths.
The Illicit Market
Although fentanyl is legally prescribed, a substantial amount is sold on the black market. The reasons behind this include:
- High Demand: Many individuals with opioid addiction turn to fentanyl as it provides an intense high.
- Accessibility: Users can often obtain fentanyl-laced drugs more easily than legitimate prescriptions.
- Cost: Illicit fentanyl can be cheaper than other street drugs.
Why Do People Buy Fentanyl Illegally?
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The motivations for purchasing fentanyl include:
- Addiction: Many users are addicted and seek out fentanyl for its powerful effects.
- Experimentation: Some individuals may buy it to experiment with its effects.
- Peer Pressure: Social circles and environments may promote the use of fentanyl.
The Risks Involved
Purchasing fentanyl from unregulated sources poses significant risks:
- Overdose: Fentanyl is deadly in small doses; misuse can quickly lead to fatal outcomes.
- Contamination: Illicit drugs are frequently mixed with other harmful substances.
- Legal Consequences: Possession and distribution of fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is fentanyl always illegal?
No, fentanyl is legal when prescribed by a doctor for medical purposes. However, it is illegal when sold or used without a prescription.
2. Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
Fentanyl’s potency means that even a tiny amount can lead to overdose, especially when combined with other substances.
3. How can one tell if fentanyl is present in other drugs?
It’s difficult to identify fentanyl in street drugs, as it often comes in powder form or is pressed into pills. Testing kits are available but may not be foolproof.
4. What can be done to combat fentanyl abuse?
Efforts to combat fentanyl abuse include public awareness campaigns, addiction treatment programs, and law enforcement strategies targeting illegal distribution.
Conclusion
The question do people buy fentanyl highlights the dire situation many face in the context of opioid addiction and misuse. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior, along with the associated risks, is crucial for addressing the broader issues related to opioid use in society.
