Co-ingestants: Drug Pairs Involved In Opioid Deaths Have Changed Greatly Over Time
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. According to the report, most of this fentanyl originates in China. China has cracked down on fentanyl and some of its subtypes, or analogues, but the online dealers often tweak the formulas of their drugs slightly to stay ahead of bans. For example, when China announced it would ban one fentanyl product, called U-47700, on July 1, one fentanyl dealer advertised a “hot sale” of the product through June.
Taking too many opioids at one time can cause a person to stop breathing and die. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including fentanyl. Keeping it on hand could mean the difference between life and death — for you or someone else. Naloxone is available at many pharmacies in Texas without a prescription.
Understanding the Market for Fentanyl
You know roughly what the alcohol by volume content is, and you can make choices around how much you’re going to consume and the impact it’ll have on your body. The United States Postal System has been, for many years, the most reliable way to smuggle drugs from China to the U.S. According to Families Against Fentanyl, it is now the leading cause of death among people 18 to 45 years old. Mexican drug cartels are using ingredients shipped from China to mix a dangerous cocktail of chemicals. We’ll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better.
The opioid crisis has brought the substance fentanyl into the spotlight. This synthetic opioid is known for its high potency and has become a significant concern due to its association with overdose deaths.
This includes harm like overdoses, but also issues at work or school, harming relationships with others, and giving up or reducing activities because of opioid use. Tolerance to fentanyl occurs when you need increased doses to produce the same effect. Physical dependence and substance use disorder can develop quickly, within weeks of regular use. You are also at a higher risk of overdose with fentanyl than with other opioids. It can be injected into the veins or muscles, inhaled through the nose via a nasal spray, or applied as a patch on the skin. A health professional can prescribe fentanyl legally for a patient with pain.
The vape pens contain THC resin which potentially holds up to 60 percent of THC inside the cartridge. According to the FDA, THC is the abbreviation for the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a psychoactive component or substance of the marijuana plant. He says he has never seen anything like the boom in fentanyl cases here in the San Joaquin Valley. For the last two years, he has been a part of the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team or F.O.R.T. with the DEA Task Force.
The latest provisional drug overdose death counts suggest overdose deaths accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It started with the overprescribing of prescription pain relievers. When these drugs became harder to get for nonmedical use, heroin use increased. Today, illegally manufactured fentanyl and other opioids are being mixed with other drugs.
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.
The question arises: do people buy fentanyl? Yes, people do purchase fentanyl, but the context and legality of these transactions vary significantly.
- Illicit Purchase: Many individuals buy fentanyl illegally, often through street dealers or the dark web.
- Prescription Use: Some people obtain fentanyl legally through prescriptions for legitimate medical reasons, such as severe pain management.
- Recreational Use: Unfortunately, some individuals misuse fentanyl for its euphoric effects, leading to dangerous situations.
Reasons People Purchase Fentanyl
Several factors drive the buying behavior related to fentanyl:
- Chronic Pain Management: Fentanyl is prescribed to those suffering from cancer pain or severe pain that cannot be managed by other opioids.
- Cost: Fentanyl is cheaper than some pain medications, making it attractive for those seeking relief.
- Accessibility: With the rise of online drug markets, fentanyl is more accessible than ever, increasing the likelihood of illicit purchases.
Risks Associated with Fentanyl Use
While fentanyl may have legitimate medical uses, there are considerable risks:
- Study participants were grateful that the research team shared the information that their UA results were positive for fentanyl.
- The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who witness an overdose and call 911 or their local emergency number for help.
- While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain and end of life care, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced illicitly and is now common in the illicit drug supply.
- Overdose: Due to its potency, the margin between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose is very small.
- Addiction: Like other opioids, fentanyl carries a high risk of addiction, even when used as prescribed.
- Contamination: Illegally purchased fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if someone takes too much fentanyl?
Overdosing on fentanyl can lead to respiratory failure and death. Immediate medical attention is crucial.
Is fentanyl only sold illegally?
No, fentanyl is legally prescribed in various forms, including patches and lozenges.
How can someone recognize fentanyl?
Fentanyl can appear in various forms including pills, powder, and patches, often indistinguishable from other substances.
What should one do if they suspect an overdose?
Call emergency services immediately and, if available, administer naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug.
Conclusion
The question do people buy fentanyl highlights a complex issue involving both legitimate medical use and illicit market activity. Understanding the motivations and risks associated with fentanyl is vital in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. Whether for pain management or recreational use, the consequences of fentanyl misuse can be dire.
