Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through prescription. However, there are illegal ways to obtain fentanyl, which can be extremely dangerous and potentially lethal.
CAN THE PERSON OVERDOSE AGAIN IF I’VE JUST GIVEN THEM NALOXONE?
Understanding Fentanyl
Routine testing for xylazine by the Oregon State Medical Examiner began in 2020. Since then, xylazine has been found in a small but increasing amount of overdose deaths in Oregon. In 2020, there were two overdose deaths where xylazine was identified in the toxicology report, followed by nine in 2021 and nine (so far) in 2022. The Oregon Health Authority expects to see a significant increase in xylazine-involved overdose deaths in 2023 once the data are finalized.
What Are The Signs Of Fentanyl Overdose?
Fentanyl is a medication that is used to treat severe pain, usually after surgery. It is also used to manage pain in patients with cancer. Fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When fentanyl binds to these receptors, it blocks pain signals and releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces a feeling of euphoria.
Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and even small amounts can be deadly. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency. This can make it difficult for users to know how much fentanyl they are taking, which can lead to accidental overdoses.
Illegal Ways to Obtain Fentanyl
There are several ways that people obtain fentanyl illegally:
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- Buying it on the street: Fentanyl is often sold on the street in the form of pills, powder, or patches. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency.
- Buying it online: Fentanyl can be purchased online from illegal drug websites. These websites often require payment in cryptocurrency and ship the drugs through the mail.
- Stealing it from a pharmacy or hospital: Fentanyl is a controlled substance, and it is illegal to possess or distribute it without a prescription. However, some people steal fentanyl from pharmacies or hospitals to sell it illegally.
Each nonprofit had tables set and a stage was set up for live music. While we were there, we had the opportunity to do Narcan and fentanyl test strip trainings on stage for everyone in attendance. Every Wednesday, the SUPHR staff partnered with South Philly Punks with Lunch at Broad and Snyder. They gave out homemade food, drinks, clothing, and additional harm reduction supplies. They even would bring a radio and we would listen to music. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses.
Greenwell got hooked on narcotic pain medication after back surgery. With her husband being a pharmacist, she admits she had always looked down on addicts, yet was surprised in herself when she felt happier on the pain meds. “You’re getting more bang for your buck,” said Sim, who bought his first order of fentanyl at age 19.
The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl
Buying fentanyl illegally is extremely dangerous. Here are some of the risks:
- No matter the result from using fentanyl test strips, having naloxone nearby is key to saving a life in case an opioid overdose does happen.
- In some states test strips are legal only if they are acquired from harm reduction programs or syringe exchange programs.
- There’s no clear way to tell by sight, taste or smell that something has fentanyl.
- Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using.
- We offer a range of high-quality fentanyl gloves in a variety of colors, sizes, thicknesses and textures.
- Overdose: Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and even small amounts can be deadly. When it is mixed with other drugs, the risk of overdose is even higher.
- Contamination: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be contaminated with other substances, such as fentanyl analogs or cutting agents. These substances can be harmful or even deadly.
- Arrest: Possessing or distributing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can result in arrest and prosecution.
Just a gram and a half of the drug netted him close to $90,000. Dr. Christy Sutherland, medical director at PHS Community Services Society, told the Globe it seems “very strange” that she is coordinating fentanyl sales as a family doctor. It costs Jess Tilley $1 to purchase a fentanyl test strip—a small sum, until you consider that she’s buying them by the hundreds.
If you see powder or a crushed pill on a nearby surface, do not touch it or attempt to remove it. Do not open windows or do anything that might cause powder to get into the air. If you see fentanyl powder on your clothes, use a non-alcoholic wet wipe to remove it or wet the area of the garment before removing it and laundering. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 4 Feb 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Feb 2024), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2024) and others.
Conclusion
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is used to treat severe pain. However, it is also a highly potent drug that can be deadly if misused. Illegally obtaining fentanyl is extremely dangerous and can result in overdose, contamination, or arrest. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, it is important to seek help from a medical professional.
