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. 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.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is commonly used to treat severe pain. However, it has also gained notoriety as a dangerous and highly addictive drug when misused or abused. Due to its high potency, fentanyl can be lethal even in small doses, making it a controlled substance that should only be obtained through legitimate channels.
Fighting Fentanyl: The Practitioners
Participants were asked to select pseudonyms, which are reported here when quoting participants. Upon completion of the interview, participants were compensated $25 cash, 2 doses of naloxone, and given a bag containing 2 transportation tokens, a $5 convenience store card, a pair of latex gloves, and a breathing mask. Dr. Susan Sherman and Dr. Traci Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV. It must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects. While there are fentanyl patches that can be placed on the skin for pain management, this is not the formulation that’s cut into other substances. When you get your result, you can make the decision about what to do next.
Legitimate Sources
If you have a valid prescription for fentanyl, you can buy it from licensed pharmacies or healthcare providers. They will dispense the medication in the appropriate dosage and provide you with proper instructions on how to use it safely. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and never exceed the prescribed amount of fentanyl.
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Online Pharmacies
Some legitimate pharmacies offer the option to order medications online, including fentanyl. However, it is crucial to verify the legitimacy of the online pharmacy before making a purchase. Look for websites that require a prescription and are licensed by the appropriate regulatory authorities.
Illicit Market
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Unfortunately, fentanyl is also available on the illicit market, where it is often mixed with other substances and sold illegally. Buying fentanyl from illegal sources is extremely dangerous and poses a high risk of overdose and death. It is essential to avoid purchasing fentanyl from street dealers or unknown online vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
- Is fentanyl available over-the-counter?
- What are the dangers of buying fentanyl from illegal sources?
No, fentanyl is a prescription medication that should only be obtained under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
No, fentanyl is a controlled substance that requires a prescription due to its high potency and potential for abuse.
According to the DEA, most of the illicit supply comes from outside the United States, where clandestine laboratories synthesize fentanyl into counterfeit pills. These fake pills are designed to appear nearly identical to legitimate prescriptions, such as Oxycontin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Adderall®, Xanax®, and other medicines. Fentanyl powder is also being added to other street drugs to increase their potency. You can’t tell if fentanyl is in the drug you are about to use. The only way to be sure is to test street drugs for fentanyl. Naloxone is a safe medicine that can quickly stop an opioid overdose.
Buying fentanyl from illegal sources can lead to unknowingly ingesting dangerous additives or taking a higher dosage than intended, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
- The Investigator graph below shows that some vendors are active on a number of other dark markets, including Incognito, Vice City Market and World Market.
- Other drug checking tools like reagent kits can be used, but they can be expensive and legality varies by state (updated as of 2019).
- In addition to distributing these supplies at pop-ups and community events listed on our events page, there are a few ways you can get naloxone and test strips to prevent a fatal overdose in your community.
- Many times, O’Neal said, cocaine and other drug users do not know to expect fentanyl.
It is crucial to prioritize your health and safety when seeking out medications like fentanyl. Always consult with a healthcare professional and obtain prescriptions from legitimate sources to ensure proper usage and minimize potential risks associated with this powerful opioid.
