Content
Understanding Fentanyl: Availability and Risks
Mr. Hendricks, who has a 1-year-old daughter, said he suspected that fentanyl was being added to his crack to make the drug more addictive and even harder to quit. Using a test strip “would give me peace of mind, to explain what I’ve been feeling,” he said. The Washington State Standard is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet that provides original reporting, analysis and commentary on Washington state government and politics. 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. This blog is provided for general informational purposes only.
If they don’t have access to clean syringes, they may reuse or share needles, which increases their risk for HIV, hepatitis C and wounds. In 2019, UCSF funded a successful pilot project to distribute fentanyl test strips to San Francisco veterans at the center. The pilot paved the way for similar projects at other Veteran Affairs’ centers nationwide. It comes in both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical forms. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, please reach out for help.
Fentanyl remains a drug of high public health concern among an increasingly volatile drug supply, and its prevalence has thus far only increased despite various countermeasures. Fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine, in unregulated injectable drugs, powders and pills. Research by the Washington State Department of Health reveals that individuals using fentanyl test strips take steps to reduce their risk of overdose. North America is in the midst of an unprecedented overdose epidemic.
Even a small amount of fentanyl, especially for someone who’s not used to using opioids, could cause an overdose. The inexpensive strips have been embraced by treatment organizations as a way to reduce harms from illicit drug use. Nearly 40 states have legalized their use, according to the Network for Public Health Law.
Can you buy fentanyl? This is a question that arises due to the increasing concern about prescription medications and the illicit fentanyl market. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is used medically but is also associated with high risks of abuse and overdose.
One way to keep people safe is to give them knowledge of what it is that they’re using. Fentanyl test strips are not a panacea, but they are a way for someone to know if fentanyl is present or not. Our peer parent coaches have weighed in on the topic of encouraging their loved ones to use test strips.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used in clinical settings to treat severe pain. It can be found in the illicit drug market and is being mixed with other illicitly manufactured opioids like heroin, in pressed pills, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamines to increase their potency. Because of how potent it is, it can significantly increase the risk of overdose.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a fast-acting opioid analgesic that is primarily used in medical settings. It’s known for its potency, being approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Here are some key aspects:
Fentanyl Test Strips Need To Get Into The Hands Of Users On The Streets, Says Public Health Officer
- Medical Uses: Fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain management, particularly in instances involving surgery or chronic pain in cancer patients.
- Forms: It is available in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions.
- Illicit Production: Fentanyl can also be illegally manufactured and is often mixed with other drugs, increasing overdose risks.
Legal Status of Fentanyl
When discussing can you buy fentanyl, it’s essential to understand its legal status:
- Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage.
- Opioids, used in tandem with alcohol or other “downers” (such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, and sleep medications) are particularly dangerous, and Narcan can save lives while help is on the way.
- Once medical personnel arrive, they will administer naloxone if they suspect an opioid drug is involved.
- Research assistants were trained in harm reduction techniques such as recognizing and responding to overdose and administering naloxone.
- Prescription Required: In most countries, fentanyl is a controlled substance, meaning it can only be legally obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
- Illicit Purchases: Illegally, fentanyl can be found on the black market, but purchasing it this way is both dangerous and illegal.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl
Engaging with the fentanyl market, whether legal or illegal, carries significant risks:
- Health Risks: Misuse of fentanyl can lead to severe respiratory depression, overdose, and death.
- Legal Consequences: Illegally purchasing fentanyl can result in criminal charges.
- Quality Assurance: Illicit drugs are often mixed with unknown substances, making them unpredictable and extremely hazardous.
FAQs about Fentanyl
Q: Can you buy fentanyl online?
A: While some online pharmacies may claim to sell fentanyl, many are operating illegally. Purchasing medications online without a prescription is risky and highly discouraged.
Q: What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
A: Always follow your doctor’s instructions and obtain your medication from a licensed pharmacy to ensure safety and legality.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Limp body
- Blue or purple lips/nails
Q: How is fentanyl used medically?
A: Fentanyl can be administered via patches, lozenges, or injections, depending on the patient’s condition and pain management needs.
Conclusion
In summary, the question can you buy fentanyl highlights a critical issue surrounding its accessibility and the dangers associated with it. While it is legally available through prescriptions for valid medical purposes, the illegal market poses severe health and legal risks. Individuals are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals regarding pain management and to avoid engaging with the illicit drug market, as the consequences can be life-threatening.
