Public Health Advisory: Fentanyl Increasingly Present In Overdose Deaths In Wisconsin
Understanding the Demand: Do People Buy Fentanyl?
Texans should only take legitimate pharmaceutical medications prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by pharmacists in the U.S. Because UA testing was intended as confirmation of what participants told us by self-report, we did not plan to communicate UA results with them, nor to record them as data. However, in week 4 of the study, a participant screened positive for fentanyl without having endorsed its use by self-report. Study staff recognized the potential risk of unintentional fentanyl use to the participant’s health and contacted the Principal Investigator. Upon discussion, we made the decision to inform the participant that they had screened positive for fentanyl.
Drug poisonings involving heroin are more likely to also involve methamphetamine (71% and 77%) than deaths involving synthetic opioids without heroin (42%). Those dying with synthetic opioids but not heroin appear to be more likely than those with heroin and not synthetics to also have cocaine or alcohol mentioned on the death certificate. Those dying with synthetic opioids but not heroin appear to be less likely to also have methadone or other commonly prescribed opioids present. Young people may unknowingly buy drugs they believe to be something else, but often these other substances are being mixed with fentanyl, which can be deadly.
Black tar heroin tends to have an average purity of 28% and cannot be easily mixed with fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration reported the first instances of this tranquilizer being used in illegal drug activity in the early 2000s by drug dealers in Puerto Rico when they began mixing it with other substances. The practice has now spread across the United States and has been found recently in Texas mixed with fentanyl.
The question of whether do people buy fentanyl is pivotal in understanding the dynamics of substance abuse and its implications on public health. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has garnered attention due to its potency and prevalence in the illicit drug market.
What is Fentanyl?
Other conditions can put someone at risk of a fentanyl overdose. These include use of drugs by oneself and use of multiple drugs at the same time. The risk of an overdose increases when fentanyl is used with drugs such as benzodiazepines (prescription medications for anxiety, such as Xanax or Ativan) and alcohol. From 1999 to 2011, the death rate in the United States due to opioid analgesics nearly quadrupled, then began to skyrocket around 2013–2014. This timing coincided with the first detection of illicit pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700. Fentanyl is a powerful, synthetic opioid 50 to 100x more potent than morphine.
In this article, we will discuss the medical uses of fentanyl and its side effects. We will also cover misuse of fentanyl, addiction, and the risk of overdose. It is time to stop setting up law enforcement for failure by asking the impossible and instead embrace its vital role in cutting illicit drug market-related violence, disorder and corruption. Illegally manufactured fentanyl smuggled into the U.S. kills tens of thousands of people each year and worsens addictions for many more.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often prescribed for severe pain management, particularly in patients with chronic pain conditions. It is approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, making it a highly effective pain relief solution, but also highly dangerous when misused.
Reasons Behind Fentanyl Purchases
- Pharmaceutical fentanyl is used for managing acute or chronic pain and can come in patches, lollipops, or administered as an injection.
- Trusting that these tablets are the drug they are impersonating can be dangerous, as fentanyl is many times as potent as most other opioids.
- Fentanyl was the most common recently used drug, with 83% of participants testing positive for it (including 46% who tested positive for both fentanyl and heroin and 54% who tested positive for fentanyl without heroin).
- Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant.
- We studied three portable technologies to see how well they detected fentanyl in street drugs.
- They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill.
Nipping the problem in the bud—keeping illicit drugs from reaching the market—is critical for stemming the tide of illegal drug activity and protecting the nation from the scourge of fentanyl analogs. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that was invented as an anesthetic for surgery. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger that morphine. Deaths from the drug, which is cheap to produce and 50 times more potent than heroin, have increased tenfold from five years ago, when it first emerged as a common street drug. Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, an antidote prescription to counter the effects of an opioid overdose if needed. Parents can typically obtain a free prescription from local pharmacies with insurance.
Several factors contribute to the question of do people buy fentanyl, particularly in the illegal market:
- Medical Use: Some individuals might procure fentanyl through legitimate prescriptions for chronic pain relief.
- Recreational Use: The high potency of fentanyl makes it attractive for recreational users seeking a powerful high.
- Cost: Fentanyl is often cheaper than other narcotics, leading buyers to seek it out as a more affordable option.
- Illicit Manufacturing: Fentanyl is frequently manufactured illegally and mixed with other drugs, making it readily available.
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl
Engaging in the purchase of fentanyl, especially from illicit sources, involves significant risks:
- Overdose Potential: Due to its strength, even a small amount of fentanyl can lead to fatal overdoses.
- Adulteration: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be mixed with other drugs, increasing the risk of unexpected effects or overdoses.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing fentanyl illegally can result in serious legal ramifications, including arrest and imprisonment.
Where Do People Buy Fentanyl?
Illicit fentanyl is commonly sourced from:
- Dark Web Markets: Online platforms that facilitate discreet transactions.
- Street Dealers: Local drug dealers may offer fentanyl or fentanyl-laced products.
- Fake Prescriptions: Some individuals may obtain fentanyl through falsified prescriptions.
FAQs About Fentanyl Purchases
1. Is it legal to buy fentanyl?
Purchasing fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal in most jurisdictions.
2. Is fentanyl sold in pharmacies?
Yes, fentanyl can be prescribed and dispensed in pharmacies for medically appropriate use.
3. What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose?
Symptoms may include slow or difficult breathing, extreme drowsiness, and unresponsiveness.
Conclusion
The inquiry into do people buy fentanyl reflects broader societal issues regarding addiction, the opioid crisis, and public health. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers associated with fentanyl, whether obtained legally or illegally. Understanding the risks and implications can help in making informed decisions and advocating for responsible medication use.
