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Cayla Clark grew up in Santa Barbara, CA and graduated from UCLA with a degree in playwriting. Since then she has been writing on addiction recovery and psychology full-time, and has found a home as part of the Guardian Recovery team. 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. In 2019, SwabTekTM introduced new field kits with dry test strips capable of detecting fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Market
Another risk factor for overdose is when someone stops using fentanyl and then starts using it again. After a period of not using fentanyl, a person’s tolerance decreases. This loss of tolerance occurs in as little as a few days of no opioid use.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, often associated with severe consequences in the context of substance use and addiction. The question arises: do people buy fentanyl? The answer is multifaceted and sheds light on the ongoing opioid crisis.
Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 4 Feb 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Feb 2024), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2024) and others.
They mix in fentanyl in unsanitary conditions without precisely measure the dose. Overall, combinations of fentanyl and any illicit drugs — including stimulants and others — are a major contributor to overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fentanyl is a type of medication known as an opioid, like morphine or oxycodone.
These fentanyls caused synthetic opioids to account for one-third of all drug-related deaths in 2016, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That’s a 700 percent increase from five years ago for manufactured opioids. Persons who use drugs (PWUD), healthcare professionals, and the community must understand there is a significant risk of overdose when using opioids, stimulants, and other illicit drugs, as they may be mixed with fentanyl.
The Appeal of Fentanyl
- Crime lab cases are the results of the Washington State Patrol’s Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau chemistry testing of samples submitted by law enforcement.
- Prototypes is a perinatal residential and withdrawal management treatment provider offering services to women and children.
- Several people interviewed reported that the potency of heroin has declined, which may indicate a developing but unintended tolerance to fentanyl that heroin can no longer address.
- The K9’s do not do routine or administrative checks for narcotics at our county schools.
- Compared to the $1390 that a dealer would pay for the same impact from fentanyl, it is easy to see why this highly potent chemical compound is so popular.
After calling 911, place any unconscious person in the recovery position while you wait for help to arrive. This allows any bodily fluids to drain out of the mouth and nose, reducing the risk of aspiration and asphyxiation. †In each case, investigators determined it was unlikely the deceased knew or understood they were taking such a potent and potentially lethal drug. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is available through naloxone distribution centers at treatment providers in the state. FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — More and more young fentanyl users are turning to social media apps for their next Fentanyl high. The Elliptic Investigator graphs shown above underscore these capabilities – allowing any associations between dark web markets or vendors with fentanyl suppliers to be unearthed with ease.
People may choose to buy fentanyl for several reasons:
- Misuse for Pain Relief: Some individuals seek fentanyl for its effective pain-relieving properties, especially in chronic pain conditions.
- Recreational Use: Due to its potency, fentanyl can produce intense euphoric effects, leading people to buy it for recreational purposes.
- Availability: As a synthetic drug, fentanyl can be easier to obtain than other opioids, contributing to its illicit trade.
The Risks Involved
Buying fentanyl poses significant health risks, including:
- Overdose: The margin between a therapeutic dose and a fatal dose is dangerously small.
- Contamination: Fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, creating unexpected health hazards.
- Legal Issues: Purchasing illicit fentanyl can result in severe legal consequences.
Who is Buying Fentanyl?
A variety of individuals may seek to buy fentanyl, including:
- Chronic Pain Patients: Some patients turn to fentanyl when prescribed opioids are ineffective.
- Recreational Users: Individuals looking for a quick high are attracted to its powerful effects.
- Addicts: Those dependent on opioids may seek fentanyl as a substitute for other opioids.
Impact on Society
The market for fentanyl has far-reaching consequences:
- Public Health Crisis: Increased overdoses and deaths related to fentanyl have become a pressing public health emergency.
- Economic Costs: The opioid crisis results in significant healthcare costs, law enforcement expenses, and lost productivity.
FAQs About Fentanyl
1. Is fentanyl legal?
Fentanyl is legally available through prescriptions for severe pain management, but it is illegal to buy or sell without a prescription.
2. Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
Due to its high potency, even a small amount of fentanyl can lead to overdose or death.
3. Can fentanyl be used safely?
When prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals, fentanyl can be used safely, but misuse leads to serious risks.
4. How is fentanyl commonly used recreationally?
Recreational users may take fentanyl in various forms, including pills, patches, or powders, often without knowledge of the dose.
5. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and blue-tinted skin or lips.
In conclusion, while some people do seek to buy fentanyl, the associated risks and societal consequences highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing the opioid crisis.
