Fighting Fentanyl: The Practitioners
It’s also important for the person experiencing an overdose not to take any more drugs or alcohol within (at least) a three hour period. If you are unable to seek medical assistance, and can not stay with the person yourself, ensure they are in the company of an individual who is aware of the situation and has more naloxone. No drug has fueled the current spike in overdose deaths more than fentanyl.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used for pain management, especially in patients dealing with severe pain or those who are undergoing surgeries. It’s known for its potency, being significantly stronger than morphine.
The DEA says drug cartels are relentlessly going after young people on social media making it that much easier to buy and sell drugs. If you’re a veteran who uses opioids, ask your VA provider about prescribing naloxone, which is free. Unfortunately, fentanyl’s high potency also means that even just a small amount can prove deadly. If the end user isn’t aware that the drug they bought has been adulterated, this could easily lead to an overdose.
Can You Buy Fentanyl?
These strips can be a useful harm reduction tool for people who drugs. Fentanyl test strips may not be able to detect all forms of illicit fentanyl and they cannot tell you how much fentanyl may be present. There can also be false positives (showing that fentanyl is present when it really isn’t). The process of testing methamphetamine is different than testing opioids and uses more water.
The target of an investigation, a low-level drug dealer, had the answer. We want to meet people where they’re at today with their drug use so that we can keep them with us and build that trust. Then, if and when they want to change their use – maybe stop, reduce or switch to a safer drug – we’re here for them.
To get extremely potent opioids, users turn to the dark web—and sometimes, Google. Because drugs purchased on the street can contain fentanyl and other unknown substances, it is important to test drugs before using them. That’s according to police and local advocates working with people who use drugs. They say fentanyl is selling for anywhere from 50 cents to $5 a pill, depending on location and dealer-user relationships. We partner with a number of local organizations to make sure Naloxone and test strips are available city-wide. Below are a few of our partners that are able to provide regular access to resources.
The question arises: can you buy fentanyl? The answer is complex and requires an understanding of the legal and medical implications surrounding this substance.
Legal Acquisition of Fentanyl
Fentanyl can be legally obtained under specific circumstances:
Inconsistent purity and potent cuts ranging from vet medicine (e.g. xylazine) to strong fentanyl analogues (e.g. carfentanil) are just some of the many results of the criminalization of people who use drugs. 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. Illicit fentanyl related products are described including the different forms it can appear in. The rise in use and overdoses are described as well as some of the reasons for these changes.
This community flyer provides general information about fentanyl and resources to fight the fentanyl crisis. Many fake pills are made to look just like prescription Xanax (bars), Percocet (perk), opioids (painkillers) like Vicodin and Oxycodone (oxy), and stimulants like Adderall (addy). Any time a person consumes an illicit pill in the age of fentanyl, they risk dying. Dr. Susan Sherman and Dr. Traci Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV.
- Prescription Medication: Fentanyl is prescribed by healthcare professionals in patch, tablet, or injectable forms.
- Pharmacy Access: Only licensed pharmacies can dispense fentanyl when presented with a valid prescription.
- Medical Supervision: It is used in hospitals or clinical settings for pain management, where health care providers can monitor the patient’s response.
Illegal Acquisition of Fentanyl
Unfortunately, fentanyl is also available on the black market, which poses serious health risks:
- Counterfeit Pills: There are numerous counterfeit drugs that may contain fentanyl, often mixed with other substances.
- Street Purchases: Some individuals may attempt to purchase fentanyl through illegal channels, leading to dangerous dosages.
Risks Involved with Fentanyl
Whether through legal or illegal means, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with fentanyl:
- Addiction: Due to its potency, there is a high risk of dependency and addiction.
- Overdose: The margin between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose is very small, making the risk of overdose significant.
- Legal Consequences: Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can lead to serious legal repercussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you buy fentanyl online?
It is illegal to purchase fentanyl online without a prescription. Any website offering to sell it without proper medical oversight is likely operating illegally.
2. What should I do if I have a prescription?
If you have a prescription for fentanyl, you should fill it at a licensed pharmacy and follow your doctor’s instructions closely to mitigate risks.
3. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
- Here’s some information so you can stay informed, aware, and safer around fentanyl and other opioids.
- For those taking fentanyl in nonmedical settings, there is no medical team available to monitor someone’s breathing rate in real time to ensure their safety.
- Your health impacts how your body is able to respond to overdose and overamping.
- Learn more about responding to suspected drug overdoses on OHA’s Naloxone Rescue for Opioid Overdose webpage (link).
Signs of an overdose include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slow or difficult breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
4. How can I stay safe when prescribed fentanyl?
To stay safe, always:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions
- Store fentanyl securely
- Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider
In conclusion, while fentanyl can be obtained legally through a prescription, it is imperative to approach its use with caution due to the inherent risks of addiction and overdose. Always prioritize safety and legality when considering any opioid medications.
