How Can I Be Sure That I’m Buying Real Fentanyl?
Understanding the Risks of Fentanyl
Test strips, which detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs, are also available — fentanyl was involved in 85% of overdose deaths in 2022. The shadowy addition of fentanyl to the illegal drug supply sent deadly overdoses skyrocketing among users who were unaware they were using such a strong drug. By 2021, fentanyl was involved in the vast majority of overdose deaths, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate pain and may produce a pleasurable effect on the brain and body. A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery.
Before exploring how to buy fentanyl, it’s crucial to recognize the dangers associated with this powerful substance. Fentanyl is an opioid that is approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
In some cases, using meth or coke, especially at higher doses, can lead to another type of overdose called Overamping. This has long been a fear that if you give people tools to make something safer, they’re going to take greater risk. But we actually have really good evidence in the drug-use space that harm reduction interventions don’t encourage drug use. DanceSafe is an organization that promotes health and safety within the electronic music community.
Here are some of the key risks:
Therefore, DDPHE encourages anyone who uses illicit substances and/or may be in the position to respond to an overdose to carry naloxone, regardless if they intend to use an opioid. A lethally potent drug is driving the rapid rise in overdose deaths, killing thousands of people who don’t even know they’ve taken it. Once people became addicted, they turned to a cheaper alternative, heroin. Use this state-based locator to find a pharmacy, clinic, health department, or community based organization in your area that provides naloxone distribution. We suggest calling ahead to confirm inventory and in the case of pharmacy access, request information about co-pay. New data shows a surge in overdose deaths involving fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has been prevalent in the northeastern region of the US since 2017, but it did not become prevalent in Oregon until 2019. Since then, law enforcement seizures of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have grown dramatically in Oregon. The amount of seized fentanyl in Oregon’s high intensity drug trafficking areas (HIDTA) increased from 690 dosage units (counterfeit pills) in 2018 to more than 2 million in 2022. Fentanyl has now surpassed methamphetamine as the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon. Legal, pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.
- Overdose potential: Due to its potency, even a small amount can lead to respiratory depression and death.
- Illicit production: Many fentanyl products are counterfeit and not manufactured under pharmaceutical standards.
- Legal implications: Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in most jurisdictions.
The final event was a concert and mutual aid event hosted by Savage Sisters, Operation In My Backyard, and the South Philly Lunch with Punks. Each nonprofit had tables set and a stage was set up for live music. While we were there, we had the opportunity to do Narcan and fentanyl test strip trainings on stage for everyone in attendance. Every Wednesday, the SUPHR staff partnered with South Philly Punks with Lunch at Broad and Snyder.
They can be used to sample street drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and illegally obtained prescription pills. The strips give those who use illegal drugs a way to determine if fentanyl is present in their drug supply and to help reduce the risk of an overdose. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Commonly used medically for pain management and anesthesia, fentanyl is also made and sold illegally as a recreational drug, often being mixed with heroin or cocaine – contributing to overdoses. Like other opioids, fentanyl use can lead to dependency and addiction, can be absorbed via the skin via open cuts and by inhalation. Even exposure to tiny amounts – as little as 2mg, about the size of 5 grains of salt – can cause respiratory depression, arrest and possible death.
We know that many in our community are asking about MPOX (monkeypox). As a trusted community messenger, The Center is here to help connect you to resources and information about MPOX. Click here for some helpful FAQs that we have compiled from local, state, and federal health agencies, as well as information on the County’s next vaccination event this week. We will update our website as well as The Center’s Facebook and Instagram to share the latest updates. Offers support for people seeking recovery from crystal meth addiction. Offers support for people seeking recovery or support from alcoholism.
- The easiest method is to test the residue from your spoon or cooker.
- Australia and New Zealand are another market where I think there is a high potential for fentanyl emerging.
- City to study use of fentanyl-detecting test strips by distributing them in exchange vans.
- Many users don’t realize that the heroin they are purchasing may contain fentanyl — which often results in overdose deaths.
- While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain and end of life care, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced illicitly and is now common in the illicit drug supply.
Legal Alternatives to Consider
Instead of exploring how to buy fentanyl, consider these legal alternatives:
- Prescription pain management: Consult with a healthcare provider for legitimate pain relief options.
- Physical therapy: Engage in therapies that may help alleviate pain without the use of opioids.
- Non-opioid medications: Discuss with your physician about alternatives to fentanyl for pain management.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is fentanyl used for?
Fentanyl is primarily used in medical settings for severe pain management, often in cancer patients or after surgery.
2. Why is fentanyl dangerous?
Its high potency leads to a high risk of overdose, especially when obtained from illegal sources.
3. What should I do if I or someone I know is addicted to opioids?
Seek immediate help from medical professionals or addiction treatment centers that specialize in opioid dependence.
4. Are there safe ways to manage pain?
Yes, there are several alternatives, including over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, and holistic approaches.
In summary, while there may be interest in how to buy fentanyl, the focus should instead be on understanding the inherent risks and seeking safer, legal alternatives for pain management.
