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Drugs may also become contaminated with fentanyl accidently when drug dealers re-use surfaces and equipment that have been used for fentanyl. In non-medical situations, you will experience a quick rush of well-being (euphoria) when fentanyl is injected, smoked, snorted or ingested in high doses. The U.S. has sealed off the overseas bank accounts of Guanghua Zheng and his son. The feds also shut down what prosecutors say were the Zheng’s 40 websites selling illegal drugs in 20 languages. We don’t know if their lab shut down, but the network has been, at least for now.
Understanding Fentanyl
Having naloxone, or Narcan, handy is a good idea if a parent has concerns about their child abusing opioids, says Dr. Peterson. Without this suspicion, it’s probably not necessary but could still be a good idea to keep a couple of doses around. If you think your child has overdosed on fentanyl, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
Fentanyl is a strong opioid medicine that can be prescribed by your doctor as part of a broader strategy to help manage your pain. Last July, he said, there were thousands of listings for fentanyl and its analogues on AlphaBay, a darknet site that was shut down by law enforcement. Now, on Dream Market, another darknet drug market, there are just 300. Michael Gilbert, an independent researcher who has studied darknet drug markets, said that not only do individual users buy drugs on the darknet, so do dealers who go on to resell the drug in their local area.
- Right now, private carriers are required to collect advanced electronic data, a bar code with information about the sender, the recipient, and what is in the package.
- The pilot paved the way for similar projects at other Veteran Affairs’ centers nationwide.
- During this same period, the CDC found the rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids increased over 56%.
- Of course, parents may be concerned that their teens will be attracted to these candy-like opioids.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is primarily used for pain management. It is significantly more powerful than morphine, making it effective in treating severe pain, particularly in patients who have developed tolerance to other opioid medications.
FTS provide people who use drugs and communities with important information about fentanyl in the illicit drug supply so they can take steps to reduce overdose risks. Fentanyl is sometimes added to drugs to increase a person’s high and can be disguised as heroin, cocaine, meth, marijuana, and counterfeit (fake) prescription pills. As a result, many people believe that they are purchasing a certain drug and do not know that they are buying fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths. A dose as small as 1-2 grains (2mg) of salt can cause a fatal overdose.
Additionally, Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral (OSAR) providers offer Texans comprehensive services for fentanyl and other substance use. Callers speak with a trained counselor who can assess needs and refer them to a variety of services, including in-person and telehealth treatment. To find your local OSAR, go to Outreach, Screening, Assessment & Referral. Any drug in any form (powder, pill) you get from a dealer, friend or an online source could have fentanyl in it. You can’t smell or taste fentanyl and fake pills made from fentanyl can look like real pills from a pharmacy. There’s no way to know if -or how much- fentanyl may be in them.
Cedars-Sinai’s Newsroom spoke with Huntington Health Emergency Department Pharmacist Evan Adintori, PharmD, and Emergency Physician Sam Beckerman, MD, PhD, about their work to curb the fentanyl epidemic. In the case of Kingsley Iyare Osemwengie, who used sold oxycodone across many states through prostitutes and couriers, profits were shifted through an anonymous shell company aptly named High Profit Investments LLC. Our 2016 report, Anonymity Overdose, charted the connection between the opioid epidemic and the problem of anonymous shell companies. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.
Due to its potency, fentanyl poses a high risk for overdose and addiction, leading to strict regulations regarding its distribution and use. As a result, many people may wonder, can I buy fentanyl without a prescription?
Legal Restrictions on Fentanyl
In most countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This classification means that:
- It has a high potential for abuse.
- It can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
- It is available only by prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Prescription Requirements
To legally obtain fentanyl, one typically needs a prescription, which requires:
- Consultation with a healthcare provider.
- A thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history.
- A determination that fentanyl is necessary and appropriate for the treatment of pain.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Without a Prescription
Attempting to purchase fentanyl without a valid prescription can lead to several serious issues:
- Legal Consequences: Buying controlled substances without a prescription is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
- Health Risks: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be counterfeit or contaminated, posing significant health risks.
- Addiction: Without medical supervision, misuse of fentanyl can lead to addiction and overdose.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get fentanyl without seeing a doctor?
No, fentanyl is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
What are the alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
There are several alternative medications available, including:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Other opioids with lower potency
- Non-opioid medications for chronic pain
What should I do if I suspect someone is misusing fentanyl?
If you suspect someone is misusing fentanyl, it is essential to:
- Talk to them about your concerns.
- Encourage them to seek help from a medical professional.
- Contact local health services or addiction support organizations for guidance.
Conclusion
Due to its addictive nature and associated health risks, fentanyl should only be obtained through a valid prescription. Attempting to buy fentanyl without a prescription not only exposes individuals to legal risks but also to severe health dangers. Always consult with a healthcare provider for safe and appropriate pain management options.
