Health Care Professionals
Understanding Fentanyl: A Potent Substance
Xylazine may be mixed in with other illicit drugs for several reasons, including increasing drug weight or adding an effect. People who use drugs may not be aware of the presence of xylazine in their drug product. There are limitations to xylazine and fentanyl drug checking strips because illicit drugs are not evenly mixed. This means that fentanyl and/or xylazine may still be present in a drug product, even when a portion of the product tested with drug checking strips does not react. This is why it’s best to assume that all drugs not prescribed and handed to you by a pharmacist are mixed with fentanyl, xylazine, or other drugs.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. Used medically, it serves as a powerful pain reliever and is often prescribed for severe pain management, especially for those recovering from surgery or experiencing chronic pain. However, the misuse of this substance poses serious risks.
- Officer Eli Arnold, who’s made a specialty of spotting dealers, was watching the action from a neighboring building.
- “The best thing my husband ever did for me was ask for a divorce,” Greenwell said.
- Fentanyl might not be everywhere evenly in your product, so if you only test a portion of your supply you might end up missing it.
The Risks of Misusing Fentanyl
Most people don’t know it is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl mixed with drugs or alcohol increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids and can reverse an opioid overdose. With a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be administered. The Health Department offers virtual trainings to individuals and organizations on the use of fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction tool as well as strategies for community engagement. If you are interested in learning about fentanyl and fentanyl test strips, or your organization is distributing fentanyl test strips in the community, register for an upcoming training below.
Further work should investigate whether PWUD would be willing to purchase FTS from pharmacies. Future work should explore construct validity of these measures. CNN was granted rare access to the secret lab where the DEA tests and analyzes seized illicit drugs in order to stay ahead of the opioid crisis and track what could be coming next. Prescription opioids are not the only option for pain management. Discuss these options with your health care professional to determine if they will work for you.
This Executive Order reinforces the City’s commitment to saving lives through harm reduction amid the ongoing opioid epidemic. 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. There’s no clear way to tell by sight, taste or smell that something has fentanyl.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl?
When it comes to purchasing fentanyl, it is essential to prioritize safety and legality. Here are some avenues for obtaining this substance:
- Prescription from a Licensed Medical Professional: The safest and legal way to obtain fentanyl is through a prescription from a qualified doctor. They will evaluate your condition and determine if this medication is appropriate.
- Pharmacies: If prescribed, you can buy fentanyl at licensed pharmacies. Ensure that the pharmacy is reputable and follows all regulations.
- Hospitals: In some cases, if you are admitted to a hospital, fentanyl may be administered as part of your treatment. This typically happens under strict medical supervision.
Just a few years before, in 2018, the state registered only 214 fentanyl-related deaths. Nationwide, more than 71,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2021, a 23% increase over 2020. The CDPH Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch (SAPB) works with many partners throughout the state to monitor and address current trends at the statewide and local level. CDPH works closely with local health departments, opioid safety coalitions, and other local level partners to support local prevention and intervention efforts.
IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon. Project LIFEis a pilot program by Columbus Public Health to reduce the rate of accidentaloverdose by limiting involuntary fentanyl exposure. Fentanyl testing strips area life-saving overdose prevention tool, empowering individuals who use drugs toknow if a substance has been contaminated with fentanyl and to take action toreduce the risk of overdose. Among the U.S. cities with the highest number of people who use heroin, Baltimore is taking novel steps to address the opioid epidemic within its boundaries.
And yet as a concept, it’s gotten attached to these misperceptions. If you take fentanyl without knowing it, you might get a much higher dose of opioids than your body can handle, putting you at risk for an overdose. They detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs you intend to use.
Always carry Narcan, a lifesaving medication that can stop an overdose while it’s happening. Narcan is available at all pharmacies in Delaware, without a prescription, or through distribution centers. When using drugs, start with a very small amount and go slow to test the strength. Never use alone, but if you must, have someone check on you. Talk to friends and family about what to do if you overdose. Delaware’s Good Samaritan Law offers criminal and civil protection for individuals acting in good faith to assist someone who has overdosed on drugs or alcohol.
Illegal Sources
While there may be online platforms or street dealers offering fentanyl, these sources are illegal and extremely dangerous. Buying from these outlets increases the risk of overdose due to unregulated dosages and the presence of adulterants.
Resources and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, there are numerous resources available:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Provides a national helpline for those seeking assistance.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Offers educational resources related to drug abuse and addiction.
- Local Support Groups: Organizations like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) give support to individuals dealing with addiction.
FAQs
What is fentanyl used for?
Fentanyl is typically used for managing severe pain, particularly in medical settings.
Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online from unverified sources is illegal and highly dangerous.
What should I do if I think someone has overdosed on fentanyl?
Call emergency services immediately. Administering Narcan (naloxone), if available, can potentially reverse an opioid overdose.
How can I stay safe while using fentanyl?
Always follow your doctor’s instructions, use fentanyl only as prescribed, and keep it out of reach of others, especially children.
Conclusion
While the question of where can I buy fentanyl might arise due to its potency and medical usefulness, it is crucial to navigate this topic responsibly. Always prioritize your health and safety by seeking guidance from healthcare professionals.
