This is especially risky when people taking drugs don’t realize they might contain fentanyl as a cheap but dangerous additive. They might be taking stronger opioids than their bodies are used to and can be more likely to overdose. Learning about drug myths is just as helpful a harm reduction and overdose prevention tool as fentanyl test strips. Used syringes can be exchanged for sterile ones at Brandywine Counseling locations throughout the state. Test strips, which detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs, are also available — fentanyl was involved in 85% of overdose deaths in 2022. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S.
- Fentanyl the prescription drug and fentanyl inside a heroin bag come from very different sources, although both can be abused.
- One man from West Philly even shared that he overdosed from taking a pill he thought was Percocet but happened to contain fentanyl.
- But the investigator anticipates stricter enforcement to come.
- Naloxone temporarily knocks the opioids out of the opioid receptors in the brain, this will trigger normal breathing.
- While Black and White people are equally as likely to witness an overdose, Black people are less likely to have access to or be trained to use naloxone (Dayton et al., 2020).
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. When the water evaporates and the pan is cool, you can scrape the residue off with a razor or other sharp item. Fentanyl test strips aren’t legal everywhere because some states consider them to be drug paraphernalia (items you need to do drugs). But a growing number of health and public policy experts are supporting their use along with other harm-reduction strategies. As fentanyl floods the illicit drug market, the price for a pill has dropped substantially in the past few years.
The question “can I buy fentanyl” is one that has been searched for with increasing frequency in recent years. However, the answer is not a simple one. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid painkiller that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is often used in hospitals for patients with severe pain, such as those undergoing surgery or those with cancer. But because of its potency, it has also become a popular drug of abuse.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
BTNX Fentanyl Test Strip Kit (Liquid/Powder) – Pack Of 5 Tests
This means it can block opioid receptors in the body and reverse an opioid overdose for minutes. It is a temporary treatment – so you should still call 911 if someone responds to the medicine. One participant was concerned about legal implications from using fentanyl test strips.
Fentanyl is a highly dangerous drug. It can be fatal even in small doses, and it is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, without the user’s knowledge. This can lead to accidental overdoses and deaths. In fact, fentanyl has been linked to a significant increase in overdose deaths in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were more than 36,000 overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl in 2019, up from just over 3,000 in 2013.
Test Strips For The Dangerous Street Drug Xylazine Could Save Lives
In addition to the risk of overdose, fentanyl can also have other serious side effects. These can include respiratory depression, sedation, confusion, and nausea. Long-term use of fentanyl can also lead to physical dependence and addiction.
“The best thing my husband ever did for me was ask for a divorce,” Greenwell said. “And he knows that. It saved my life because he was loving me to death.” 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.
The Illegality of Buying Fentanyl
AMA Overdose Epidemic Report
It is important to note that buying fentanyl is illegal. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is subject to strict regulations. It is illegal to possess, distribute, or manufacture fentanyl without a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional.
In addition to the legal consequences, buying fentanyl from illegal sources also puts users at risk. Illegally obtained fentanyl may be contaminated with other substances, such as cutting agents, which can increase the risk of overdose and other health complications. It is also possible that the fentanyl is not what it is purported to be, which can lead to unexpected and dangerous effects.
Getting Help for Fentanyl Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to assist with addiction treatment, including inpatient and outpatient programs, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment. These resources can provide the support and guidance needed to overcome addiction and regain control of your life.
It is important to remember that addiction is a disease, and it is not something that can be overcome alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and it is the first step towards recovery. If you are struggling with addiction, do not hesitate to reach out for help.
Can I buy fentanyl? The answer is no, and it is important to understand the dangers and illegality of buying this highly potent opioid. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help today.
