Oregon Health Authority
Drug dealers started mixing the two drugs as a way to stretch their heroin supply. Fentanyl also started showing up in non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine and fake versions of prescription pills. Along with implementing this new policy, the City is launching a public outreach campaign with information about how and why to test drugs for fentanyl. Additional drug-specific educational cards that advise testing drugs for fentanyl and carrying naloxone can be found here. Ongoing virtual trainings on overdose prevention and the use of fentanyl test strips can be found at
Finally, fentanyl test strips are legal to possess in Colorado, and they are excluded from the definition of drug paraphernalia. 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. For this project, they wanted to both test a solution and begin to determine how well it might work in real-world settings.
They brief at the FPC as independent subject matter experts, and the views expressed by briefers not affiliated with the Department of State are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department or the U.S. Their participation in Foreign Press Center programming does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation of their views or efforts. We know that many in our community are asking about MPOX (monkeypox). As a trusted community messenger, The Center is here to help connect you to resources and information about MPOX.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often used medically to treat severe pain, particularly in patients with chronic pain or those recovering from surgery. However, it is also associated with significant risks, particularly when obtained and used illegally.
They think they are buying – perhaps they’re aware they’re buying fentanyl; they end up with a mixture of fentanyl and Xylazine. It’s – users will sometimes despite knowing what it’s in it still use. But nonetheless it’s better than not having information as to what they are actually buying.
I only need to be concerned about fentanyl if I am using certain drugs like heroin. FTS may result in false positives or false negatives from manufacturing errors or if you do not follow instructions like diluting more when testing for the type of drug you are using. New strips designed for harm reduction purposes have been created, since the original forensics application made this pretty challenging.
Due to its potency, fentanyl is often involved in overdose situations, leading to a public health crisis in many areas. It is crucial to educate oneself about the risks and legal implications of attempting to obtain fentanyl.
These are photos of counterfeit pills collected from a drug seizure in Oregon. The number of overdose deaths in the U.S. from synthetic opioids doubled from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, 744 people from Washington died from an opioid related overdose and 198 of these deaths included fentanyl.
It essentially has to do with the entrepreneurship innovation of the drug trafficking groups and not with anything that came out of policy or user preferences. So – and I’m not at all surprised that we are seeing these gaps in the spread of fentanyl. In my view, it will come, and it’s part and parcel of synthetic drugs, whether it’s methamphetamine, fentanyl, or weaker versions like Captagon just emerging in every market around the world.
Legal Considerations
Before considering how to obtain fentanyl, it’s essential to understand the legal ramifications:
- Prescription Requirement: Fentanyl should only be obtained through a legitimate medical prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Controlled Substance: As a Schedule II controlled substance, fentanyl is illegal to buy, sell, or possess without appropriate authorization.
- Penalties: The illegal possession or distribution of fentanyl can lead to severe legal penalties, including imprisonment.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times as potent as heroin. People use fentanyl because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way. Many individuals consume fentanyl without knowledge while others use it intentionally because of its potency.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
If you are seeking fentanyl for legitimate medical purposes, follow these steps:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional who can assess your condition.
- Receive a Diagnosis: A proper diagnosis is essential to determine if fentanyl is an appropriate treatment for your pain management.
- Obtain a Prescription: If deemed necessary, your doctor will provide a prescription for fentanyl.
- Fill the Prescription: Take the prescription to a licensed pharmacy where fentanyl is dispensed legally.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
- For Robert, who’s motivated to get clean and get off the street, the process has been frustratingly slow.
- Children are also more sensitive to adverse effects from exposure to fentanyl pills, powder, or liquid left on surfaces.
- The only way to be sure your fentanyl is real is to get it prescribed by a doctor.
- In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid.
- Test strips have been shown to have significant utility as a public health and engagement tool for people who use drugs.
Seeking fentanyl outside of medical channels poses significant dangers:
- Health Risks: Illegally obtained fentanyl often lacks quality control and can be adulterated, increasing the chances of overdose.
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal drug transactions can lead to criminal charges and severe legal repercussions.
- Adding to Addiction Issues: Improper use of fentanyl can lead to addiction, dependency, and further health complications.
FAQs about Fentanyl
What is fentanyl used for?
Fentanyl is primarily used in medical settings for pain management in patients with severe acute or chronic pain.
How does fentanyl compare to other opioids?
Fentanyl is significantly more potent than many other opioids, including morphine and heroin, making it riskier in terms of overdose potential.
What should I do if I suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl?
If you suspect an overdose, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately. Administering naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose but requires prompt medical attention.
Is it safe to use fentanyl patches?
When prescribed and used correctly under medical supervision, fentanyl patches can be effective for chronic pain management. Misuse or use without a prescription is dangerous.
Conclusion
Understanding the legal and health issues surrounding fentanyl is essential for anyone considering its use. Always prioritize safety and legality by consulting healthcare professionals regarding treatment options for pain management.
