BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Fentanyl is about 80 times more potent than morphine and bout 40 times stronger than heroin. The street version of the drug is being blamed on an increase in overdoses that in some cases, can take as many as six injections of Naloxone to save the person’s life. More than 80 per cent of drugs sold as heroin on the streets of Vancouver don’t contain any heroin at all, while nearly all of them contain the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. The Massachusetts state Senate voted unanimously to legalize fentanyl test strips across the commonwealth earlier this month.
The brain and body develop a tolerance to opioids very quickly, meaning more amounts are needed to feel the same effect. This may rapidly become dependence, meaning that not taking opioids may cause severe pain and discomfort because opioids are no longer in the brain and body. This leads some people to use opioids more and more, a cycle that can lead to opioid use disorder. Opioid use disorder occurs when opioid use interferes with daily life. This may include challenges at home, at work, at school, or in relationships. Taking too many opioids at one time can cause a person to stop breathing and die.
You can’t tell if fentanyl is in the drug you are about to use. The only way to be sure is to test street drugs for fentanyl. The campaign start coincided with the release of the Mayor’s Executive Order decriminalizing fentanyl test strips in Philadelphia. It was supported by many community partners including Savage Sisters, The Everywhere Project, South Philly Punks with Lunch, and 24HRPHL. The campaign targeted areas that had seen an increase in overdoses as well as areas where people use drugs recreationally.
If given in time, Narcan® (also known as Naloxone) can save the life of someone who is overdosing from opioids. It can stop an overdose and restore normal breathing until emergency response can arrive. Rhode Island has become known for taking a data-driven and evidence-based approach to the opioid crisis.
Understanding Fentanyl: Where to Buy Fentanyl Safely
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is frequently used in medical settings for pain management. Due to its strength, it can be dangerous if misused or acquired from unregulated sources. If you are considering where to buy fentanyl, it is crucial to understand the risks and legalities involved.
Where Is Fentanyl Available?
The potency and contents of illicit drugs, including IMF, is always changing. This makes it impossible for someone to know the strength or the mixture of substances in their drug product. IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon.
Similarly, pharmacists in this sample reported not knowing where to order FTS. Although pharmacists were unaware of where to obtain FTS, the majority perceived that FTS could reduce overdose deaths in their communities. Community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers for the general public, especially in rural and underserved communities [14]. Pharmacists play a vital role in overdose risk reduction through opioid medication counseling and the dispensing of naloxone [15]. Although pharmacists are actively engaged with overdose reduction strategies, no published research reports on pharmacist awareness of and willingness to sell FTS [16]. Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill.
Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate pain and may produce a pleasurable effect on the brain and body. A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery. Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences. The truth is, most people have no idea whether or not their drugs contain fentanyl. The only way to determine a substance contains fentanyl is by testing for it. And since most interactions with fentanyl are accidental, most people are not prepared for a potential overdose.
Fentanyl can be acquired through various channels, but it must be approached with caution:
“All must go till 1 of July,” the “special offer” read, according to the report. Five or six times a day, a man from Texas injects a dose of carefully measured fentanyl. He does it when he wakes up and before he goes to work, and sometimes on breaks. It makes him drowsy, but he says people can’t usually tell he just used. To get extremely potent opioids, users turn to the dark web—and sometimes, Google.
Office Of Addiction Services And Supports
- Prescription Medication: The safest way to obtain fentanyl is through a medical prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Pharmacies: Once prescribed, fentanyl can be filled at a licensed pharmacy, where it is dispensed under strict regulations.
- Hospitals: In medical facilities, fentanyl is often administered under close supervision for patients requiring substantial pain relief.
Illegal Sources of Fentanyl
It is essential to be aware that purchasing fentanyl from unregulated sources is illegal and incredibly dangerous:
- Street Dealers: Buying fentanyl from illegal sources poses severe health risks due to the potential presence of adulterants and varying potency.
- Online Markets: Many illegal websites claim to sell fentanyl, but these are often scams that can result in legal troubles or trafficking charges.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl, especially from illegal sources, comes with significant dangers:
- Overdoses from fentanyl have had a devastating impact on San Francisco, and our nightlife and entertainment community has been hit particularly hard.
- IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon.
- Xylazine Test Strips (XTS) are a tool to test drugs for the presence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer.
- Pharmacists were less willing to advertise FTS for sale (62.9%).
- The options, detailed below, include receiving them from our division, from our online partner NEXT Distro, from pharmacies, or from any of our community partners.
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) analysis has found counterfeit pills ranging from .02 to 5.1 milligrams (more than twice the lethal dose) of fentanyl per tablet.
- Overdose Risk: Fentanyl is much more potent than morphine or heroin, which increases the risk of overdose if the dosage is not precisely controlled.
- Legal Consequences: Acquiring fentanyl without a prescription can lead to severe legal repercussions, including arrest and imprisonment.
- Health Hazards: Illegally sourced fentanyl may be contaminated or mixed with other harmful substances, leading to unexpected and potentially fatal side effects.
FAQs about Fentanyl
1. Can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
No, purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and unsafe.
2. What should I do if I am in pain and think I need fentanyl?
Consult a healthcare provider who can assess your situation and provide appropriate treatment options.
3. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose to watch for?
Signs include slow or difficult breathing, unconsciousness, and pinpoint pupils. Seek immediate medical help if these occur.
4. Is fentanyl safe for everyone?
No, fentanyl is not safe for everyone and is usually prescribed for severe pain situations.
Conclusion
When considering where to buy fentanyl, it is crucial to prioritize safety and legality. The best approach is to work with a healthcare provider to obtain a prescription and purchase it through a licensed pharmacy. Avoid unregulated sources to protect both your health and legal standing.
