What Is An Opioid?
- Be sure they don’t aspirate (inhale) the vomit by putting them in the recovery position if they’re unconscious.
- These are photos of counterfeit pills collected from a drug seizure in Oregon.
- Fentanyl the prescription drug and fentanyl inside a heroin bag come from very different sources, although both can be abused.
- This paper focuses on the increasingly common counterfeit oxycodone M30 pills contaminated with fentanyl.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly to a reporter about his work on the case. Most of the chemicals salespeople NPR spoke to for this story did not give their names. Their work could lead to harsh punishment in China, where drug trafficking is punishable by death. Benjamin Chen is among the many vendors in the country who adopted these new strategies.
In the height of the opioid epidemic, a kilogram of heroin could be purchased for approximately $6,000 and sold for appropriately $80,000. For the same purchase price, a kilogram of illegally imported fentanyl could be sold for approximately $1.6 million, then cut into heroin and other drugs to expand their volume. That being said, those fighting substance use disorders who are willing to take the potentially fatal risks that come with consuming illicit pills can reduce their chances of overdosing by using FTS. While fentanyl overdoses can be reversed with naloxone, the high potency of the drug means more naloxone is needed to counteract it, both Anand and Ward said. Others were concerned that because smoking fentanyl is easier and often more appealing than injecting it, it could result in more widespread use.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, often in patients recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic pain conditions. Due to its potency, it is crucial to approach information regarding fentanyl with caution.
The Risks of Fentanyl
Dogs with their keen sense of smell have been trained for a variety of U.S. security and emergency response settings for more than 50 years. The first drug-sniffing dogs were put into service in the mid-1960s and are now regularly seen in cargo terminals, airports, mail delivery and sorting centers, and even schools. Address any underlying concerns that may lead to your child to take Fentanyl intentionally or unintentionally. Parents of Fentanyl victims often report that their children took a pill or other drug to try deal with issues related to sleep, anxiety,loneliness, or other emotional challenges. Until recently, intentional use of fentanyl was mostly limited to the West Coast, but in the past few years, addiction specialists have seen an uptick in use of the drug across the country.
Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer that’s been linked to a growing number of overdose deaths across the country. The Denver Police Department has found xylazine mixed with fentanyl in Denver’s drug supply. Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone does not reverse its effects. Still, experts always recommend administering naloxone if someone might be suffering from drug overdose.
Xylazine causes breathing to slow down or stop (respiratory failure) so giving rescue breaths (one breath very 5 seconds) in between naloxone doses is necessary. People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis—the rotting of human tissue—that may lead to amputation. Wounds can develop in various places on the body, not just the injection site. An increased risk for overdose and deathAlong with being made to look like candy, fentanyl is illicitly added to pills incorrectly labeled as common pain, antianxiety, ADHD or other prescription medications. Some young people unknowingly buy and ingest drugs laced with fentanyl, potentially leading to overdose and even death.
While fentanyl is effective for pain management, it carries significant risks, including:
This may seem harmless, but when an individual is searching to buy a drug, the platform will deliver more drug-related ads, pages, and hashtags to a user’s feed, further enabling the illicit activity. Even if a user is not actively participating on the platform by searching, liking, or sharing, algorithms use other indications of interest such as time spent hovering over a post. Note that some non-opioids, such as cocaine, have been found to contain fentanyl (an opioid) in Denver. Therefore, DDPHE encourages anyone who uses illicit substances and/or may be in the position to respond to an overdose to carry naloxone, regardless if they intend to use an opioid.
- High potential for addiction
- Risk of overdose, particularly if misused
- Respiratory depression leading to death
Opioid naïve individuals are at high risk of accidental overdose because they do not have a tolerance for opioids, may not have access to naloxone, and may not know how to decrease overdose risk. The number of overdose deaths in the U.S. from synthetic opioids doubled from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, 744 people from Washington died from an opioid related overdose and 198 of these deaths included fentanyl.
Can You Buy Fentanyl Online?
The question of “can you buy fentanyl online” is prevalent in discussions surrounding the misuse and accessibility of this potent drug. It’s essential to understand the varying facets of this inquiry.
Legality of Purchasing Fentanyl Online
Fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States. This means:
- You cannot legally purchase fentanyl online without a valid prescription.
- Buying from unauthorized sources poses legal risks to the buyer.
- Many websites that claim to sell it without a prescription may be operating illegally and can result in serious legal consequences.
Risks Associated with Buying Online
Purchasing fentanyl or related products online carries several risks, such as:
- Counterfeit medications: Many online sellers may offer fake products that have dangerous or ineffective ingredients.
- Health hazards: Misuse of fentanyl can lead to serious health issues, including addiction and overdose.
- Legal consequences: Engaging in the purchase of prescription drugs without a prescription can lead to legal actions.
FAQs
What should I do if I need pain relief?
If you require pain management, consult a licensed healthcare professional. They can provide legitimate prescriptions and discuss safe treatment options.
Are there safe alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
Yes, many effective alternatives exist, such as:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Other opioids with less potential for addiction
- Non-drug therapies like physical therapy, acupuncture, and meditation
How can I identify a legitimate online pharmacy?
To ensure you are using a safe online pharmacy, look for:
- Licensure and certification from relevant health authorities
- Requirement for a valid prescription
- Contact information and a physical address
Conclusion
While the internet provides access to a vast array of information, purchasing fentanyl online raises serious concerns. Understanding the risks and legal implications involved is essential for safety. Always consult healthcare professionals for guidance regarding medication and pain management. Remember, the question “can you buy fentanyl online” should be approached with caution and responsibility.
