Open The Tab And Follow The Instructions Below For Each Type Of Drug
Like most in Akron, Ohio, he’d never heard of fentanyl until the police told him his son was dead. People who use drugs and people who may witness an overdose should learn what an overdose looks like, carry naloxone, and know how to give naloxone to a person to reverse an opioid overdose. As xylazine becomes more common in Oregon’s drug supply, it is increasingly important to know how to identify and respond to overdoses. Fentanyl mixed with drugs or alcohol increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids and can reverse an opioid overdose. With a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be administered.
Understanding Fentanyl: Can I Buy Fentanyl?
Explore this page to connect with LGBTQ-affirming programs and resources for recovery and support. Too many people in our community are disproportionately affected by substance use disorder. In Philadelphia, there are a few ways to get naloxone and test strips and learn to use them. The options, detailed below, include receiving them from our division, from our online partner NEXT Distro, from pharmacies, or from any of our community partners. Overdose Lifeline is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities affected by the disease of substance use disorder. SEATTLE – The DEA says drug cartels are relentlessly going after young people on social media, making it that much easier to buy and sell drugs.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used in medical settings for pain management. However, its illegal use has significantly increased in recent years.
Trained information specialists answer calls, transfer callers to state services or other appropriate intake centers in their states, and connect them with local assistance and support. Learn about prevention, harm reduction and substance use at CU Boulder. While fentanyl can be lethal, there are things you can do to help protect yourself and your friends. Here are some tips and strategies you can use to prevent accidental overdoses.
Once the primary survey was complete, participants then received a brief in-person one-on-one training on how to use rapid fentanyl test strips. During the first part of the training, participants viewed a short instructional video of heroin being tested for fentanyl and another video on how to interpret test strip results. The next part of the training included a plain language handout on how to test urine, powdered drugs, and pills using the test strips.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a fast-acting opioid analgesic, which means it is used to relieve pain. It is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Only one participant had received OEND training prior to enrollment in the study. Most reported using drugs for two decades or more (mean 24 years, s.d. 13.6 years). Among the nine participants who reported no opioid use, 8 used crack cocaine and 1 used methamphetamine. An additional six participants reported regular opioid use in combination with at least one stimulant. Those who reported regular crack cocaine use, either alone or in combination with opioids, had the longest drug using careers among the sample. Those who used crack cocaine only were less familiar with overdose prevention methods.
Due to its high potency, fentanyl carries a significant risk of overdose, even at small doses. It can lead to respiratory failure and death if not used properly.
Mr. Hendricks, who has a 1-year-old daughter, said he suspected that fentanyl was being added to his crack to make the drug more addictive and even harder to quit. Using a test strip “would give me peace of mind, to explain what I’ve been feeling,” he said. “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.
- As a result, many people may not know they’re ingesting fentanyl, leading to an accidental poisoning.
- Like Stepping Stone, Stepping Out offers the same level of support in an outpatient setting which is flexible and allows people to live in their own home.
- Some WA State syringe services programs can provide fentanyl test strips.
- Tennessee recently changed its policy and legalized fentanyl test strips, no longer considering these prevention tools as paraphernalia.4 You can research state-by-state legality to find out more about access in your area online.
- Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills, falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills, and killing unsuspecting Texans, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
- There is no evidence of first responders experiencing an overdose from secondhand fentanyl exposure.
Can I Buy Fentanyl? Understanding the Legality
The question, can I buy fentanyl, often arises among those who may seek it for pain management or illicit purposes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Prescription Required: In most countries, fentanyl can only be obtained legally with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Illegal Market: Purchasing fentanyl outside of medical channels is illegal and poses significant risks.
- Risks of Illicit Purchase: Buying fentanyl from unauthorized sources can result in counterfeit products mixed with other substances, increasing the likelihood of overdose.
Uses of Fentanyl in Medicine
Fentanyl is used in various medical settings, including:
- Postoperative pain management.
- Treatment of chronic pain in patients who are tolerant to other opioids.
- End-of-life care for terminal patients.
Signs of Fentanyl Misuse and Addiction
Recognizing the signs of fentanyl misuse can be crucial:
- Increased tolerance to opioids.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using.
- Obsessive cravings for the drug.
Health Risks and Overdose
Due to its potent effects, fentanyl overdose can happen quickly:
- Signs of overdose include shallow breathing, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
- In severe cases, it can lead to death without immediate medical intervention.
FAQs
Can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
No, fentanyl is a controlled substance that requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.
What should I do if I suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl?
Call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone if available.
Is it safe to use fentanyl patches for pain management?
Fentanyl patches can be safe when used as prescribed by a doctor. Misuse can lead to serious health risks.
Conclusion
In summary, the question can I buy fentanyl reflects a serious concern regarding both the legal and health implications associated with this powerful opioid.
It’s critical to only use fentanyl under medical supervision and to avoid illicit sources to prevent the risks associated with overdose and addiction.
