New Fentanyl Test Strips – Box Of 2,000
- In one study of 242 heroin users in British Columbia, 70 tested positive for fentanyl—and more than 50 of those hadn’t known they were using it.
- So far this year, more than 5,000 overdoses have been reversed with NARCAN® distributed through this program.
- It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, or made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids.
- But the investigator anticipates stricter enforcement to come.
We found a high willingness to use take-home rapid fentanyl test strips among young people who use drugs and are at risk for accidental fentanyl overdose. Initial results suggest that rapid fentanyl test strips may be an acceptable harm reduction intervention for communities facing growing rates of fentanyl overdoses. Study follow-up is ongoing to determine whether, how, and under what circumstances participants used these rapid test strips and if positive test results contribute to positive changes in overdose risk behavior. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a low-cost method of helping prevent drug overdoses and reducing harm. It started with the overprescribing of prescription pain relievers. When these drugs became harder to get for nonmedical use, heroin use increased.
Understanding Fentanyl: Can You Buy Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used in medical settings for pain management. It is significantly more potent than morphine and has become a topic of concern due to its potential for abuse and overdose. Many people may ask, “can you buy fentanyl?” This article aims to provide insight into the legal, medical, and illicit avenues related to this substance.
Before using fentanyl test strips, it is critical to read and follow our instructions. You can read all about fentanyl test strips and how to use them correctly here. Even if you’ve used them before, the information on this page is still important.
Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences. A fraction of fentanyl could mimic the highs of other opioids, like heroin or prescription painkillers. Dealers will often use simple binding agents and a small amount of fentanyl when making counterfeit opioid pills or what they say is heroin, according to law enforcement. Syringe access programs (SAPs) are evidence-based interventions shown to reduce the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) and do not increase drug use or crime. They meet people where they are to provide an array of services in a safe, anonymous setting. Around them, a few people openly injected dope, as an occasional pedestrian threaded past.
Legal Purchase of Fentanyl
SUPHR staff recommend that folks take some test strips and share them with loved ones who might need them. They even distributed them to businesses, such as barbershops, smoke shops, and individuals in cars took fentanyl test strips. If you’re using pills, you’ll need to crush a pill on a clean surface before dissolving it in 1 tablespoon of water. If you plan to use IV drugs, prepare the shot, set the needle aside, and add about one-fifth teaspoon of water to the spoon/cooker with the drug.
Participants were asked if they had any questions regarding the videos or handout. Participants were then provided with ten strips to take home and a printout of what a positive or negative result looked like. Participants also received resources which included fentanyl harm reduction suggestions, instructions on how to recognize an opioid overdose, and information on local resources. At the end of the study visit, participants were compensated $25 USD for their time.
It has also been found in other drugs, like heroin, meth, cocaine, and pressed pills. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times as potent as heroin. People use fentanyl because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way. Many individuals consume fentanyl without knowledge while others use it intentionally because of its potency. Individuals should call 911 immediately after administering naloxone. Be aware that it may take more than one dose of naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose.
In legal terms, fentanyl can only be purchased through a prescription. Here are key points regarding its legal status:
Further studies should examine which fentanyl analogs are able to be detected in urine or drugs and to what degree of sensitivity. In general, our results suggest that rapid drug tests might be an acceptable intervention for young adults who use drugs for identifying adulterants in the drug illicit supply. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. The potency and contents of illicit drugs, including IMF, is always changing. This makes it impossible for someone to know the strength or the mixture of substances in their drug product. IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon.
- Fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.
- A licensed healthcare provider can prescribe fentanyl for legitimate medical use.
- Pharmacies require a valid prescription to dispense fentanyl-containing medications.
Medical Uses of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is primarily used in healthcare settings for various purposes:
- Management of severe pain, such as in patients undergoing surgery or those with cancer.
- Administration via patches, lozenges, or injectable forms for acute pain relief.
- Utilization in palliative care to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients.
Illicit Purchase of Fentanyl
While fentanyl can be legally purchased with a prescription, it is also available through illegal means, raising significant safety concerns:
- Illicit versions of fentanyl are often manufactured in unregulated environments.
- These versions may be mixed with other drugs, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Drug dealers often sell fentanyl disguised as other substances, leading to unintentional consumption.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
Purchasing fentanyl through illegal channels poses several dangers:
- High risk of overdose due to unregulated dosages.
- Potential legal consequences for possession without a prescription.
- Increased likelihood of addiction or abuse.
- Unknown purity and contamination risks from counterfeit products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you buy fentanyl without a prescription?
No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
2. What forms of fentanyl are available medically?
Fentanyl is available in several forms, including patches, lozenges, injectable solutions, and nasal sprays.
3. What should I do if I suspect someone is abusing fentanyl?
If you suspect someone is misusing fentanyl, it is crucial to seek help from a medical professional or contact local authorities.
4. Is fentanyl addiction treatable?
Yes, treatment options are available for fentanyl addiction, including counseling, rehabilitation programs, and medication-assisted treatment.
Conclusion
The question “can you buy fentanyl?” opens up a critical conversation about the importance of responsible usage and the dangers associated with illicit acquisition. Always consult with healthcare professionals for safe and effective pain management alternatives.
