Once Feared, Illicit Fentanyl Is Now A Drug Of Choice For Many Opioid Users
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Use
Fentanyl can also be found co-mingled either intentionally or unintentionally with other drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine. This is particularly dangerous as a person who uses stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine may be opioid naïve and at higher risk for overdose if they are exposed to fentanyl. IMF is sold through illicit drug markets in different forms, such as powder and liquid. It is commonly seen as a white powder and because it is cheap and potent, it is added to heroin or sold disguised as heroin. IMF can also come in liquid form, and might be sold as nasal sprays, eye drops or small candies. As first reported by the Globe and Mail, PHS Community Services Society launched its “enhanced access program” last week.
To protect the anonymity of post authors, the Reddit usernames were removed, and direct quotes were slightly altered to reduce the risk of searchability of posts (Ayers et al., 2018; Wilkinson and Thelwall, 2011). Some black-market drug makers create new fentanyl analogs to avoid classification as illegal, get around policy restrictions on manufacturing, and evade detection in standard drug tests. It can be difficult to determine if pills were legally produced for pharmaceutical distribution or illegally produced for illegal drug sales. Counterfeit prescription medications, such as a fentanyl-laced Xany-bar or counterfeit Xanax, were reportedly made at a “pill mill” or illegal pill press. Fentanyl was developed as a powerful pain relief drug for people with end-of-life cancers.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is primarily used medically to treat severe pain, particularly after surgeries or in patients with chronic pain conditions. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine.
In the coming years, DHS will continue partnering with industry to complete narcotics data collection for government-owned spectral libraries and will initiate a new Opioid Investigation and Intelligence Project to support ICE HSI. The system can accurately detect organophosphorus compounds and narcotics at ultra-low levels previously impossible to detect in the presence of other chemical vapors. The technology could complement or replace contact and canine-assist detection methods for drug screening used in mailrooms, airports, and shipping centers. But it is one thing to test samples in a laboratory, using known spectra libraries and large instruments. The testing process also takes time—too much time for a field setting.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is most often smoked using a pill crusher, small piece of tinfoil, lighter, and straw to inhale the smoke. Other items indicating use may be needles, small mirrors, scales, blotterpaper, unlabelled candies, blue M-30 pills, Xanax “bars”, or other pills/tablets/capsules. “Usually by the time somebody is transitioning to fentanyl, they’re already needing to use pretty consistently throughout the day to feel normal, to not be in withdrawal,” Kast said. “As they’re progressing to fentanyl, they’re gonna have to use it more often in order to manage that withdrawal.”
Attempting to order fentanyl online from China came with a dose of customer service — complete with smiley face emoticons and an explanation of paying with bitcoin. NBC News did not go through with the purchase of the drug, but the Drug Enforcement Agency says mainland Chinese companies are known to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and other illegal drugs using e-commerce. A Booklet for FamiliesCreated for family members of people with alcohol abuse or drug abuse problems. Answers questions about substance abuse, its symptoms, different types of treatment, and recovery.
“It’s scary to think that these products are available and so easily attainable to those not trained or educated in drug metabolism,” said Buck Martin of King’s Pharmacy and Compounding. “When you’re relying on somebody who has no medical background, no regulation at all, then you’re just playing with your life.” At a routine traffic stop, BCSO patrol discovered 118 grams of pure fentanyl. New Hanover County’s drug unit is also seeing more of the drug mixed into dope bags.
While fentanyl has legitimate medical uses, its potency poses significant risks, including:
- High potential for overdose
- Respiratory depression
- Dependency and addiction
- Illegal manufacturing and distribution
Can You Buy Fentanyl Online?
With the increasing demand for fentanyl and its derivatives, many individuals may wonder, “can you buy fentanyl online?” The reality is complex.
Legitimate Sources
Buying fentanyl legally typically involves a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Legitimate online pharmacies must meet several criteria:
- Accreditation by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
- Requirement for a valid prescription
- Pharmacist consultations available
- The most common reason that fentanyl test strips fail is user error, so be sure to closely follow the test kit instructions.
- For more information on what the administration is doing to combat the opioids crisis visit crisisnextdoor.gov.
- People in the United States are dying from fentanyl at alarming rates.
- Here are a few recommendations so you can be in control of your experience.
Before purchasing from any online source, it’s crucial to verify its legitimacy to avoid counterfeit products or illegal substances.
Illegitimate Sources
Despite the availability of legal avenues, many websites illegally sell fentanyl without a prescription. These platforms often present significant risks:
- Counterfeit drugs that may contain dangerous fillers
- Inconsistent dosage, leading to overdose risks
- Legal consequences for purchasing controlled substances without prescriptions
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Fentanyl
If one is considering purchasing fentanyl online, whether for medical purposes or otherwise, consider the following:
- Consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions.
- Research the legitimacy of the online pharmacy.
- Be aware of state and federal laws regarding controlled substances.
- Understand the potential health risks and legal implications.
FAQs about Buying Fentanyl Online
1. Is it legal to buy fentanyl online?
It is legal to buy fentanyl online only if you have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
2. What should I do if I encounter an illegal online pharmacy?
If you come across an illegal online pharmacy, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the FDA or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
3. What are the risks of purchasing fentanyl without a prescription?
The risks include facing legal repercussions, potential health hazards from counterfeit or mislabelled products, and the danger of addiction and overdose.
Conclusion
The question of “can you buy fentanyl online?” highlights the need for caution and awareness. While there are legitimate avenues to obtain this powerful opioid, the potential for harm—both legally and medically—calls for thorough consideration and professional guidance.
