In recent years, the internet has become a popular avenue for purchasing various goods and services. However, when it comes to controlled substances like fentanyl, the legality and safety of buying online can be questionable.
But once this powder is converted into hundreds of thousands of pills, the street value could soar into the millions of dollars. I only need to be concerned about fentanyl if I am using certain drugs like heroin. The website also hosts vendors purporting to sell Xanax, a benzodiazepine, and pregabalin, a medication used to treat epilepsy and generalised anxiety disorder. Another Chinese website, Mfrbee.com, had dozens of listings under the search term “opioids”, although links to fentanyl appeared to be blocked. Drug users can easily buy potentially lethal substances through Chinese eBay-style websites, the Guardian can reveal.
What Do Fentanyl Test Strip Studies Say?
The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl Online
Because fentanyl is so potent, its use in people who are naïve to fentanyl use can quickly lead to overdose and death. The fentanyl crisis will continue to impact minors as social media platforms fail to flag content about fentanyl and other hardcore drugs. The failure to flag the imagery and contact information of drug dealers online will lead to more youth having exposure to the drug and potentially finding ways to purchase it. Additionally, with the fentanyl crisis impacting communities nationwide, we assess that there will be more significant initiatives to educate about the use of fentanyl. We may see social media platforms follow a similar rule to Pinterest, providing awareness about the dangers of the deadly drug. The New York Times’ writing supports our February 2022 brief about fentanyl and our ongoing research on this problem set.
How Is Fentanyl Different From Oxycodone And Other Opioids?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is typically prescribed to treat severe pain, such as in cases of cancer or post-surgery. However, due to its high potency, fentanyl carries a high risk of overdose and addiction.
What Is Fentanyl?
When purchasing fentanyl online, there are several dangers to consider:
- We seek to keep you informed about Washington’s most pressing issues, the decisions elected leaders are making, how they are spending tax dollars and who is influencing public policy.
- The largest three US pharmacy chains, CVS, Walgreens and Walmart have faced more than 3,000 lawsuits claiming they contributed to the opioid epidemic by dispensing opioid drugs despite obvious red flags.
- The reversing agent is administered through a nasal spray reversing the effect of an opioid overdose, in particular, fentanyl.
- 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.
- Some drug dealers are mixing fentanyl with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA.
“The problem has not ended. [Fentanyl sales] are still going on the open Web.” The salesperson said the company also sold a banned fentanyl precursor, at $1,100 a kilogram. “We ship a special way, can ensure you can receive the goods. We have the product in stock,” a salesperson for Hebei Speedgain Biotechnology Co. The company describes itself as a maker of drug and pesticide intermediates. Data from 2017 and 2018 show the volume and absolute number of U.S. seizures of fentanyl-related compounds shipped by mail dropping drastically after U.S.
Pills & Tablets
- Legal implications: Buying fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences.
- Counterfeit products: There is a high risk of receiving counterfeit or contaminated fentanyl when purchasing online, which can have dangerous health consequences.
- Increased risk of overdose: Without proper medical supervision, individuals who buy fentanyl online may be at a higher risk of overdosing due to incorrect dosages or lack of tolerance levels.
In reviewing medical examiner data for opioid-related fatal overdose, fentanyl is a contributing factor in multiple “poly-drug” overdoses. The shadowy addition of fentanyl to the illegal drug supply sent deadly overdoses skyrocketing among users who were unaware they were using such a strong drug. By 2021, fentanyl was involved in the vast majority of overdose deaths, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. 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.
This figure is particularly alarming because it can be difficult to distinguish genuine pills from fake or counterfeit versions. Check out the examples below to see how counterfeit pills can be designed to look just like genuine pharmaceuticals. Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) is urging caution following the discovery of a powdered form of fentanyl circulating in the county’s illicit drug market. Some states have passed laws that allow pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a personal prescription. Friends, family, and others in the community can use the nasal spray versions of naloxone to save someone who is overdosing.
Seeking Safe and Legal Alternatives
If you require fentanyl for medical reasons, it is essential to obtain it through legitimate channels, such as a doctor’s prescription and a licensed pharmacy. This ensures that you are receiving a safe and regulated product that is appropriate for your condition.
Additionally, if you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, it is crucial to seek help from healthcare professionals and addiction treatment centers. There are resources available to help individuals overcome addiction and regain control of their lives.
Ultimately, the risks of buying fentanyl online far outweigh any potential benefits. It is essential to prioritize your health and safety by seeking legitimate and legal avenues for obtaining fentanyl.