Here’s How Drug Dealers Use Snapchat And Instagram To Reach Kids
Since social media has come such a long way since the 80’s, will we ever experience a generation that won’t have been exposed to social media again? Well, not in my lifetime, but If time travel does become a possibility, then I would love to see a world once more where connection and education is ‘our’ experience, not something we see on Tik Tok. As a result, in November 2022, measures that were intended to force big technology platforms to take down “legal but harmful” materials were removed from the Online Safety Bill. Instead, platforms will be obliged to introduce systems that will allow the users to better filter out the harmful content they don’t want to see. This will not be news to many but you might be surprised how young people are advertising on their Snapchat for you to add them to their Telegram account.
Understanding the Risks: How Can I Buy Drugs Online?
This study analyzed the behavior of buying drugs online among young people in the U.S. and Spain and provided new evidence on using social media sources to buy drugs online. The results indicated that buying drugs online is a rare phenomenon among young adults and adolescents, with only 2% using online resources to buy drugs. Still, on average every tenth person who had experience using drugs had bought them online. Moreover, even a low percentage of individuals reporting criminal behaviors is concerned, given that around 5 to 10% of individuals commit around 50 to 60% of crimes (Farrington & West, 1993). Thus, a low percentage of users purchasing drugs online could represent a more developed drug trade, especially given that current research on online buying indicates that a large share is intended for reselling (Demant et al., 2018). 45% of respondents erroneously believe all websites offering health care services and prescription medications via the internet are safe, verified and approved by the U.S.
After customers ordered drugs over an encrypted messaging app, a deliveryman would arrive later the same day to distribute the drugs. The Global Drug Survey’s COVID-19 survey finds that many people in the UK increased their use of cannabis and alcohol. When there are so many apps out there to help people access drugs more easily, the value of the work by the Global Drug Survey becomes even more obvious. GDS drugs meter app allows users to see how their drug use compares to other people just like them, offering objective, personalised feedback that takes their personal features in to account.
100,000 different online shopping sites were closed or removed, nearly 300 arrests made, and fake medicines worth almost £10 million seized. Non-prescription drug use in the home is also a major factor that influences teen substance abuse. If parents, older siblings, other relatives or housemates use illicit drugs, teenagers likely have easy access to them. Further, witnessing parents and family members use drugs can legitimize or validate a teen’s own drug use.
In 2013 the FBI – Federal Bureau of investigation shut down “Silk Road” which was (at the time) said to be the world’s biggest illegal drug marketplace, and which is reported to have had an estimated $1.2 billion in revenue since its creation. According to some sources “Silk Road 2.0” was up and running inside a year. Last May, Operation Pangea saw Interpol working in 92 countries to shut down a record number of illicit and fake online pharmacies.
How to get helpIf parents believe their child is experiencing social-emotional challenges or might already be using illicit substances, Dr. Bradshaw recommends they seek treatment from a trained mental health professional. They can start with their child’s or teen’s primary care doctor to discuss any concerns and determine what type of treatment might be appropriate. Young people in San Diego are not immune to the risk of drug use, overdose and death. In 2021, the San Diego County Medical Examiner reported 12 children under the age of 18 died from an accidental overdose — the youngest was just 13.
The internet has transformed how people access various products, including pharmaceuticals. However, the question how can I buy drugs online comes with significant risks and legal considerations.
Shipping from overseas can prove slightly more risky for buyers, though –– any packages passing through customs will be X-rayed. While products sealed in mylar are hard to view through an X-ray, the concealer itself can raise suspicion. He adds that he has tested MDMA friends have purchased from the dark web that turned out to be composed of entirely different drugs. 4) Without the retailing qualification, drug retailers shall NOT sell drugs to individuals.
So it is crucial to have your doctor be informed of your prescription source. FOX 5’s Jacqueline Matter sat down with an expert to find out what parents need to know about the secret exchange of drugs on social media platforms. But, all the same – even if the products are seized, that itself generally isn’t enough to warrant an arrest. The fact of drugs being sent to someone’s house is not, on its own, conclusive evidence that they are buying or using them.
Reasons People Consider Buying Drugs Online
Many individuals turn to online sources for purchasing drugs due to:
- Convenience: Obtaining medications from home saves time and effort.
- Privacy: Some people prefer to keep their prescriptions confidential.
- Cost: Online pharmacies may offer lower prices compared to local pharmacies.
Legal Considerations
Before exploring the question how can I buy drugs online, it’s crucial to recognize the legal implications:
- Prescription Required: Many drugs require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Illegal Substances: Purchasing controlled substances without a prescription can lead to legal consequences.
How to Buy Drugs Online Safely
For individuals who have a valid prescription and are considering online purchases, here are steps to follow:
- Consult a Doctor: Always start with a consultation to receive the necessary prescriptions legally.
- Choose a Legitimate Pharmacy: Look for pharmacies that are licensed and require prescriptions.
- Check for Accreditation: Verify if the pharmacy is accredited by organizations such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
- Review Delivery Options: Ensure that the pharmacy has secure shipment methods and clear return policies.
- Read Customer Reviews: Look for feedback on the pharmacy’s reputation from previous customers.
Questions to Ask Before Purchasing
When contemplating how can I buy drugs online, it’s vital to ask yourself the following:
- Is the pharmacy requiring a prescription?
- Can I contact a licensed pharmacist for questions?
- Does the website provide contact information?
- Are there clear policies on privacy and security?
- If you have insurance, you may be able to use your insurance to purchase your drugs online.
- Snapchat and Instagram are the popular platforms for this, but it happens on other platforms too.
- Buying medications from these illegal online pharmacies is very dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I buy drugs online without a prescription?
No, buying prescription medications without a valid prescription can be illegal and unsafe.
2. What should I do if I receive the wrong medication?
Contact the pharmacy immediately and follow their procedures for reporting and resolving the issue.
3. Are online drugs safe?
It depends on whether you use a legitimate pharmacy. Always verify the credentials of the online pharmacy.
4. Is it cheaper to buy drugs online?
While some online pharmacies may offer lower prices, it’s essential to ensure they are reputable and safe.
In conclusion, while the internet offers a convenient way to access medications, understanding how can I buy drugs online involves navigating various legal and safety issues. Always prioritize your health and legality when considering online purchases.
