- Other substances on sale included a sometimes deadly synthetic opioid also known as “pink,” and synthetic cannabinoids.
- The New York Times’ writing supports our February 2022 brief about fentanyl and our ongoing research on this problem set.
- While a prescription drug like oxycodone might have a street value of $80 per pill, in most states, a dose of heroin costs less than a pack of cigarettes.
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, carfentanyl is approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine, 100 times more than fentanyl, and 50 times more than heroin.
However, fentanyl test strips are available at certain health departments or syringe exchange programs, so you can test the drug you plan to use for fentanyl. Fentanyl has hit the news as one of the synthetic opioids that can be present in a number of physical or manufactured forms (e.g., powder, pill/tablet, liquid), which presents different on-scene challenges for emergency responders. Sometimes it may take more doses, but studies show that a person experiencing an overdose involving fentanyl will usually ‘come to’ after 1 or 2 doses. Chest rigidity has been seen in some fentanyl-related overdoses and this causes the individual to stop breathing immediately. The presence of fentanyl in street drugs makes it more important than ever to recognize and treat a suspected overdose immediately.
Xylazine And Opioid Overdoses Spur Government Action
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through prescription. However, there are illegal online pharmacies that sell fentanyl without a prescription, and it is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills, making it even more dangerous.
Yes, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S. and is available by prescription only. When monitored and used as directed by your physician, it can effectively relieve severe pain. You should never use it unless it has been prescribed by a licensed medical professional who cares for you and is dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. A prescription is no longer required to obtain nasal naloxone spray. Over-the-counter (OTC) NARCAN®, a name brand naloxone 4mg nasal spray product, is now available for purchase in stores and through reputable online retailers.
Illinois Helpline For Opioids & Other Substances
For the past three years, he’s been buying fentanyl and its analogues, like carfentanil, online. When he receives it, he measures it out in water, which he says makes for greater accuracy. Now, for that amount, he can get enough fentanyl to last more than three weeks. The vaping is going to come back in full force, and I think we’re going to start seeing an increase in overdose, in overdose deaths,” said Det. Cardinale.
Is It Safe to Buy Fentanyl Online?
Harm Reduction Saves Lives
No. Buying fentanyl online is not safe. It is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences. Moreover, the fentanyl sold online may be contaminated, counterfeit, or not what it is advertised to be. It can also be deadly, as even a small amount can cause an overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States, and most of these deaths are due to illegally made fentanyl.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Safely?
Oregon Health Authority
The only safe way to buy fentanyl is through a legitimate prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Fentanyl is used to treat severe pain, usually after surgery, and is available in various forms, such as tablets, patches, lozenges, and injections. It is essential to follow the dosage instructions carefully and never share your prescription with anyone.
FAQs About Buying Fentanyl Online
- Can I buy fentanyl online legally? No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl online without a prescription. Even with a prescription, it is risky to buy fentanyl online as the drug may be contaminated or not what it is advertised to be.
- Is it safe to order fentanyl online from another country? No, it is not safe to order fentanyl online from another country. The drug may be illegal in your country, and it may be confiscated by customs. Moreover, the drug may not meet the safety standards of your country, and it can be dangerous to your health.
- How can I tell if a website is selling fake fentanyl? It can be challenging to tell if a website is selling fake fentanyl. However, some signs to look out for include:
One drug, fentanyl, is like rocket fuel in the sharp rise of the crisis. Fentanyl is a painkiller invented in the 1960’s and used to relieve the agony of advanced cancer. But today fentanyl can be ordered on the internet, by drug dealers and addicts, for an online overdose. As we first reported in April, tracking the source of this illicit trade is a story that begins with James Rauh. Like most in Akron, Ohio, he’d never heard of fentanyl until the police told him his son was dead. Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables).
- No requirement for a prescription
- Promises of quick and discreet shipping
- Low prices
- Lack of contact information
- Bad grammar and spelling
The effort specifically targets instruments used by federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement and first responders that use spectral libraries to identify unknown samples suspected of containing illicit drugs. These include, but are not limited to, field-portable gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers, high-pressure mass spectrometers, ion mobility spectrometers, Raman spectrometers, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometers. In January 2021, DHS announced a new multiphase study to improve the detection of synthetic opioids.
If you suspect a website is selling fake fentanyl, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying fentanyl online is not safe and can have serious legal and health consequences. The only safe way to buy fentanyl is through a legitimate prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. If you suspect someone is selling fake fentanyl online, report it to the authorities. Remember, fentanyl is a powerful opioid that can be deadly, even in small amounts, so always use it with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.