Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used to manage severe pain. It is commonly prescribed for patients who are experiencing chronic pain or who have recently undergone surgery. However, fentanyl is also sold illegally on the streets and can be extremely dangerous if misused.
Understanding the Risks
Touching Fentanyl
Before purchasing fentanyl, it’s important to understand the risks associated with this drug. Fentanyl is highly addictive and can cause respiratory depression, coma, and even death if taken in high doses or mixed with other substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. It is crucial to only use fentanyl under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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.
Unlocking Federal Funding For Fentanyl Test Strips Will Save Lives
The information on this blog may be changed without notice and is not guaranteed to be complete, accurate, correct or up-to-date. Arda is a Senior Crypto Threat Analyst at Elliptic with a focus on crypto-based terrorist financing, dark web vendors, NFTs and DeFi-related crime. He is also a PhD researcher and guest lecturer at the Dawes Centre for Future Crime at University College London (UCL), focusing on the money laundering and terrorist financing risks of emerging technologies. He has advised numerous international organizations, public and private sector entities on future crime issues.
- Too many people in our community are disproportionately affected by substance use disorder.
- Recent research shows that fentanyl use in public places such as buses and trains does not produce enough contamination in the air to cause an overdose in passengers.
- Centre on Substance Abuse (BCCSU) has revealed that nearly all substances labeled as heroin sold in Vancouver contain the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Obtaining Fentanyl Legally
Understand The Risk
In states where test strips are legal for distribution, residents can find test strips for sale or for free at pharmacies, public health departments, and harm reduction centers. To these specific distribution locations in their community, people should visit their state’s public health department. Delaware operates a mail order program where residents can order 10 free test strips. Wisconsin allows residents to pick up free test strips at a designated location. Fentanyl test strips are free for all New Yorkers if they order the test strips through their partner provider.
If you have a legitimate need for fentanyl to manage your pain, you can obtain it legally with a prescription from a doctor. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your medical history and assess your pain level before prescribing fentanyl. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid any potential risks associated with the medication.
While California has made some positive strides in the fight against opioids (the latest data show that prescriptions in the state are down), deaths from one particularly powerful opioid, fentanyl, are up. Harm reduction is a practical approach to keeping people safe. The approach aims to protect people who are engaged in higher-risk behaviour while at the same time, supporting them towards treatment and recovery. Data collected from safe injection facilities in Canada indicate there has been a 2,000 percent rise in street drugs testing positive for fentanyl since 2012. Those who analysed the website were able to find sellers willing to ship fentanyl and other substances.
Buying Fentanyl Illegally
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is made in a lab from precursor chemicals instead of from poppies. It is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. According to the DEA, 2 milligrams of fentanyl is generally considereda lethal dose for most people. It is not possible to give so much naloxone so as to harm a person. Be sure they don’t aspirate (inhale) the vomit by putting them in the recovery position if they’re unconscious.
Buying fentanyl illegally is extremely risky and illegal. Street fentanyl is often mixed with other substances or may be more potent than what is typically prescribed by a healthcare professional. It’s important to remember that purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is not only dangerous but also against the law.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction to fentanyl, seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction treatment center immediately. It’s never too late to get the help you need to overcome addiction and live a healthier, drug-free life.
