In recent years, the internet has become a popular platform for buying and selling all sorts of goods, including prescription and illicit drugs. While it may be tempting to buy drugs online due to the convenience and perceived anonymity, it is important to be aware of the risks involved.
But ironically growing up in the era I did, feels very alien to what social media looks like now! At Gwent N-Gage, a young persons substance use service covering the Gwent region, we deliver a training package that looks at drug availability via certain social media platforms. A tiny percentage of Rx purchasers say their last trip to an online pharmacy was in response to an email advertisement. Many more internet users have received unsolicited email advertising drugs, however. Forty-five percent of American adults, or about 91 million people, take prescription drugs on a regular basis. Forty-one percent of American adults live with someone who regularly takes prescription drugs.
The Risks of Buying Drugs Online
Buying Online Drugs Safely
- Authors of the University of Texas study found almost 250,000 listings related to opioids on dark marketplaces, with over 28,000 product listings for opioids.
- Bitcoins are a peer-to-peer currency, not issued by banks or governments, but created and regulated by a network of other bitcoin holders’ computers.
- Sellers can create new profiles as soon as one is suspended or removed, creating a frustrating “whack-a-mole” effect for local law enforcement, the report said.
- For instance, you might have noticed that anytime words like “vaccine” or “COVID” are used in posts or mentioned in videos, the app adds a banner at the bottom of the image or video that offers resources to users.
- To find other drugs, Doe says that the search process can be more of a “gamble”.
There are several risks associated with buying drugs online, including:
The Sellers
- Lack of regulation: Online pharmacies and drug marketplaces are not subject to the same regulations as traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. This means that the drugs sold online may not be safe or effective.
- Quality control: It can be difficult to verify the quality of drugs purchased online. The drugs may be counterfeit, contaminated, or not contain the active ingredient listed on the label.
- Identity theft: Providing personal and financial information to an online drug marketplace can put you at risk of identity theft. Hackers may target these sites to steal sensitive information.
- Legal consequences: Buying and possessing illicit drugs is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences. Even buying prescription drugs without a valid prescription can lead to criminal charges.
Market Data
How to Buy Drugs Online Safely
If you still choose to buy drugs online, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Research the pharmacy: Before making a purchase, research the online pharmacy to ensure that it is legitimate. Look for pharmacies that are accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program.
- Check for a valid prescription: If you are buying prescription drugs, make sure that you have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Do not buy drugs from online pharmacies that do not require a prescription.
- Verify the drug: Before taking any medication purchased online, verify that it is what it claims to be. You can do this by checking the drug’s label and comparing it to the information provided by the manufacturer.
- Use a secure payment method: Use a secure payment method, such as a credit card, to reduce your risk of identity theft. Avoid wiring money or using prepaid debit cards.
- Be cautious: Be cautious of any online pharmacy or marketplace that makes exaggerated claims about the effectiveness of their drugs or promises to sell you drugs without a prescription. These are red flags that the site may not be legitimate.
The small number of Americans who have ordered prescription drugs online are likely to cite convenience and cost savings as the main reasons why they decided to take the leap. In addition to the increased risk of overdose and death, there’s also a risk of falling into legal problems. For instance, being caught with unprescribed Adderall can lead to fines and even jail time, so imagine getting caught with marijuana or cocaine. Additionally, being able to buy drugs online only contributes to the risk of exposure and increases the reach of drug distribution. Some pharmacies, however, don’t have locations where you can walk in and hand over your prescription and money to make a purchase. They are found only online; not all of them are registered pharmacies or sell drugs legally, so buying from them is potentially unsafe.
EMA urges patients to beware of potential falsified medicines sold by unregistered websites and vendors. Sellers can create new profiles as soon as one is suspended or removed, creating a frustrating “whack-a-mole” effect for local law enforcement, the report said. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) NABP’s Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) accreditation program works to ensure and consistently monitor, on an ongoing basis, the legitimacy of the few businesses it approves. For a list of VIPPS-accredited online pharmacies, visit /programs/accreditation/vipps/find-a-vipps-online-pharmacy.
Conclusion
While buying drugs online may seem like a convenient option, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. By taking steps to reduce your risk, such as researching the pharmacy and verifying the drug, you can help ensure that you are buying safe and effective medications.
However, it is important to remember that buying prescription drugs without a valid prescription and buying illicit drugs is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences. It is always best to consult with a licensed healthcare provider and obtain prescription drugs from a reputable pharmacy.
