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 that it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through prescription. However, despite its legal status, fentanyl is increasingly being sold on the black market and is contributing to the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States.
Some states consider them drug paraphernalia (items you need to consume drugs). For example, fentanyl test strips remain illegal in Texas despite their ability to save lives by preventing fatal overdoses. Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative that is approved by FDA for animal use, but not for people. Xylazine is increasingly added to other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl to enhance the effect or increase street value. Xylazine is dangerous because it can depress breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature to critical levels and, in combination with fentanyl, can make overdose reversal challenging.
- People suddenly started overdosing after they shot up a new white powder that dealers promised would give them a powerful high.
- It is important to use, store and dispose of prescription pain medication safely to prevent opioid misuse.
- You can speed up the process by putting the dissolved drugs in a pan in the oven on the lowest setting (maximum of 225 F) while keeping the oven door cracked.
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is able to provide more information as well as training or presentation opportunities that cover the topics of harm reduction, HIV, viral hepatitis, and STDs.
- 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.
Understanding Fentanyl
What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery. It is also used to manage chronic pain in patients who are tolerant to other opioids. 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 produces a feeling of euphoria.
Xylazine can also cause wounds and may lead to life-threatening infections that can cause conditions like endocarditis and sepsis. These wounds have been reported from injecting, smoking, and snorting xylazine, and they can develop quickly. Xylazine wounds can take a long time to heal and require prolonged medical care. Counterfeit pills are extremely dangerous because people purchasing them may think they are purchasing legitimate prescription medications. However, these fake pills may contain lethal amounts of fentanyl. It’s a tough thing to study, but as best as we can tell, it’s most likely unintentional.
Hidden Fentanyl Can Kill Test Strips Can Help Make Drug Use Safer
How is fentanyl administered? Fentanyl can be administered in several ways, including injection, transdermal patch, lozenge, or spray. It is also available in the form of a powder or pill that can be taken orally or snorted.
When you use an illegal drug, there’s no guarantee that it contains what the dealer or person who gave it to you says it does. The only way to know if a drug has been contaminated with it is to test it. There are a few ways to test for fentanyl in a drug sample, but the easiest (and only do-it-yourself) option is to use a test strip. Most are at least 96% accurate in detecting fentanyl as well as many fentanyl analogs (drugs that are chemically similar but not identical to fentanyl). Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that were originally created to detect fentanyl in urine.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Why is fentanyl dangerous? Fentanyl is highly potent, which means that even small amounts can be deadly. It is also highly addictive, and users can quickly develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, which can increase the risk of overdose.
$1 Fentanyl Test Strip Could Be A Major Weapon Against Opioid ODs
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One harm reduction response has been the distribution of fentanyl test strips to people who use heroin to test for the presence of fentanyl. Reports increasingly indicate that fentanyl contamination is occurring in the illicit stimulant market, but whether people who use stimulants would use fentanyl test strips is unknown. These agencies are receiving fentanyl test strip packages directly from the manufacturer.
What are the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose? The symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Where Do You Buy Fentanyl?
Is it legal to buy fentanyl? No, fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it is illegal to buy or possess without a prescription. However, fentanyl is increasingly being sold on the black market, often in the form of counterfeit pills or powders.
Other tools include fentanyl test strips, as well as resources for reducing or eliminating unhealthy substance use. Kaelin obtained a Masters Degree in Public Health from Indiana State University and began her journey into the field of public health and social services. In previous roles, Kaelin worked for Chicago Commons Adult Day Service in the Englewood community and Catholic Charities of the Archdioceses located in Harvey Il.
Where do people buy fentanyl? Fentanyl is often sold on the street, through drug dealers or online marketplaces. It is also sometimes sold through legitimate pharmacies or healthcare providers, although this is less common.
FAQs
- Is fentanyl more dangerous than heroin? Yes, fentanyl is significantly more potent than heroin and is therefore more likely to cause an overdose.
- Can you become addicted to fentanyl after one use? While it is possible to become addicted to fentanyl after one use, it is more common for addiction to develop over time with repeated use.
- How can you tell if a pill contains fentanyl? It can be difficult to tell if a pill contains fentanyl, as it is often mixed with other drugs. If you are concerned about a pill’s contents, it is best to avoid taking it and seek medical attention.
In conclusion, fentanyl is a highly potent and dangerous drug that is contributing to the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. It is illegal to buy or possess fentanyl without a prescription, and those who do so are putting themselves at risk of addiction, overdose, and other health complications. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, seek medical attention immediately.
