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How Are Kids Getting Drugs?
Understanding the Illicit Drug Market
Buying drugs is often shrouded in secrecy and risk. To understand how to buy drugs, it is crucial to explore the various factors that contribute to this complex issue.
Available information suggests that this contamination is happening far up the supply chain, and not primarily among street or low-level drug sellers [69]. Findings from this study suggest that there is strong potential to integrate low-level drug sellers—particularly those who know their clients well and are already engaging in practices of care towards them—in harm reduction programming. PWUD have already been integrated into community based initiatives that equip them to intervene quickly when overdose occurs [17, 50, 77].
Second, his “mule” role entailed a great deal of responsibility since he was accountable for large quantities of drugs and the money these drugs represented. John reported no organizational responsibilities (e.g., supervision of other employees or duty to account for the shipment’s cash value) beyond the simple duty of delivering his shipments to some other intermediary. According to John, one criterion differentiating “lower” from “higher” level employees of this organization may be the presence or absence of these organizational responsibilities.
Lisa Osmond works for Barod within the Young Person’s Gwent N-Gage service, primarily delivering training throughout the Gwent area. Lisa has worked in the substance awareness field for 19 years and is incredibly passionate about educating people about the current issues surrounding substance use. 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.
Pooling money for a pickup was mutually beneficial, both from an economic perspective as the people putting in money would receive a better deal, and because assisting with these transactions helped sustain and cement social relationships. There is also risk involved in providing this help due to criminalization. These helping behaviors are complex, as they comprise elements of assisting others to procure drugs and self-interest in acquiring free drugs.
Consumers can identify the very few legitimate online pharmacies by first visiting the websites of trustworthy groups that vet such businesses to identify the ones that comply with local laws (see box on page 7). One of the best is the NABP website, which accredits those online pharmacies that comply with U.S. laws and pharmacy-practice standards. The NABP requires an application and charges a fee for accreditation, and only a small fraction of online pharmacies have been accredited through this process.
The Risks Involved
Long gone are the days when the only source of drugs was a shady-looking character on a street corner. Social media and the internet have spurred a new generation of digital dealers who are little more than a click away. Dr. Laura Markley, a pediatrics and child psychiatry specialist at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio, says kids often have a false sense of security about prescription drugs. The drug and fentanyl epidemic is moving to the social media sphere, and many parents do not know their kids are part of it. At the same time, you never want to order an amount that could tip off the courier or postal service.
Increased attention is being paid to how a strong focus on risk and harm in research on drug use may obscure the wide variety of drug use experiences [37, 38, 40]. People who sell drugs are routinely framed not only as uncaring, but as actively predatory towards others [20,21,22]. Many studies of drug selling and drug markets focus on the aggression, theft, and violence that can occur around drug selling and buying within unregulated drug markets [3, 53, 54]. Starting with Grove’s insight that “real harm reduction” must attend to the primacy of drug buying and selling in the lives of PWUD [23], in this paper we explore the practices of care that surround drug procurement, buying, and selling. While “swiping right” on modern dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble can bring users one step closer to matching with a potential partner, online drug dealers in Florida are abusing this opportunity to sell drugs and line their pockets. In contrast, the vast majority of online pharmacies make evading the laws part of their business models by selling expensive, high-risk or addictive drugs without prescriptions and without complying with regulatory standards.
Today, there are about 9,300 websites selling drugs illegally on the darkweb. Great efforts have been made by federal officials to shut down major online marketplaces. They managed to bust the most booming darknet online drug market, Silk Road, just two years ago, but these drug busts are far and few.
- Like virtually all commercial venues in human history, the Internet also has become a means to buy and sell contraband—namely, drugs.
- The major problem was to disengage him from “business” and other persons in his life, especially his girlfriend.
- In many instances, parents’ frustration with their inability to provide the bare necessities of family life encourages spending the limited amounts on drugs.
- So, the upper two layers of the internet might not all be entirely visible, but the content is not inflammatory.
Before delving into the mechanics of purchasing illicit substances, consider the inherent risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing drugs can lead to serious legal repercussions.
- Health Risks: Illicit drugs can have unpredictable effects on physical and mental health.
- Financial Implications: The costs associated with drug use can be significant and may lead to financial instability.
Strategies for Purchasing Drugs
If someone is determined to acquire drugs, they often follow certain methods. Here’s a general overview:
- Network with Others: Establishing connections with individuals who have experience in drug acquisition is common.
- Online Marketplaces: The rise of the Internet has led to the emergence of various online platforms where illegal transactions can occur.
- Street Deals: Many individuals buy drugs directly from street dealers.
Safety Precautions
For those still intent on buying drugs, safety should be a top priority:
- Use a Trusted Source: Connect with individuals who are known and trusted within the drug culture.
- Test the Substance: If possible, test the drugs for purity and contaminants.
- Stay Aware of Surroundings: Always be vigilant of the environment and potential law enforcement presence.
Potential Alternatives
Instead of turning to drugs, consider these healthier alternatives:
- Seek Professional Help: Talk to a professional about stress or pain relief options.
- Explore Healthy Hobbies: Engage in activities that promote well-being, such as sports, art, or music.
- Join Support Groups: These groups can provide guidance and camaraderie without resorting to drug use.
FAQs about Buying Drugs
What are the legal consequences of buying drugs?
Buying drugs can result in criminal charges, including fines, imprisonment, or a permanent criminal record.
Are there safer ways to manage stress without drugs?
Yes, activities like meditation, exercise, and seeking professional counseling can effectively manage stress.
What resources are available for drug addiction recovery?
There are numerous resources, including hotlines, rehabilitation centers, and community support groups dedicated to helping those with drug addiction.
In conclusion, understanding how to buy drugs includes recognizing both the allure and the profound risks involved. Making informed, healthy choices is vital for long-term well-being.
