As a result, the production process becomes more streamlined and resource-effective, contributing to fentanyl’s reputation as a relatively inexpensive substance to create. In a study about fentanyl sales on the dark web, a gram of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl was priced at an average of $1,470 for listings offering less than 5 grams. Students, staff, faculty and community members can also access resources outside the university. You can also fill out our general request form and someone from the Overdose Prevention team will reach out to you. Help and hope are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without the use of fentanyl test strips because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. This month marks one year since Charlie Ternan, a 22-year-old, soon-to-be college graduate, was found unresponsive in his room after taking what he thought to be Percocet® to alleviate his back pain. The pill was unfortunately not a legitimate pain medication but was instead a fentapill, a counterfeit drug containing the synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Understanding the Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl Online
Buying fentanyl online poses significant dangers that individuals must comprehend before attempting to make a purchase. This synthetic opioid is highly potent and can lead to severe health consequences, including overdose and death. Below, we will discuss essential aspects of buying fentanyl online, recognizing the risks, and safer alternatives.
Naloxone is available in the form of a nasal spray, as well as an intramuscular injectable form. DDPHE distributes the intranasal spray naloxone under the brand name Narcan. It is also important to note that COVID-19 can impact someone’s respiratory function and we are unsure how COVID-19 impacts someone’s risk to overdose.
The Dangers of Illicit Purchases
While a prescription drug like oxycodone might have a street value of $80 per pill, in most states, a dose of heroin costs less than a pack of cigarettes. He says he has never seen anything like the boom in fentanyl cases here in the San Joaquin Valley. For the last two years, he has been a part of the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team or F.O.R.T. with the DEA Task Force.
The sale of drugs on social media apps – and other illegal activity perpetrated on these platforms – is nothing new and has long been on the radar of policymakers. Though they pledge to do better, their solutions have fallen short in protecting users. In the U.S., meanwhile, more than 40 states have reported spikes in opioid-related deaths this year, according to the American Medical Association. Fentanyl, which is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, is a leading cause of overdoses. The result of pressure on China by the U.S. and other countries to take more action against synthetic opioids by expanding their controlled substance bans has show some progress, but law enforcement is hoping for more action. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event.
Purchasing fentanyl online often means dealing with unregulated sources. Here are some risks associated with this practice:
Since it is illegal, there is no regulation for substances purchased illicitly. Because of this, factors like potency, foreign substances, and origin are all unknown and potentially fatal to the user. A common medical application for fentanyl is topical patches intended to allow fentanyl to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. These patches are administered for pain relief after a surgical procedure or during the late stages of cancer. These patches are used for illicit purposes by dismantling them to extract the powder fentanyl available in each. The estimated street value for a fentanyl patch is between $75-$100.
Personalized support for addressing your child’s substance use or addiction available in English and Spanish. There is an Addiction Medicine Clinic through Ventura County Medical Center that offers MAT to patients that generally have a co-occurring secondary mental health or physical health complication. In addition, because the x-waiver requirement to prescribe buprenorphine (the primary ingredient in Suboxone) has been lifted, ANY active medical doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe MAT in an outpatient setting. We partner with a number of local organizations to make sure Naloxone and test strips are available city-wide.
- Lack of Quality Control: Illicitly bought fentanyl may not contain the correct dosage or pure content.
- Risk of Overdose: The potency of fentanyl can lead to accidental overdose, especially when users are unaware of the concentration.
- Legal Consequences: Buying controlled substances online can lead to criminal charges and significant penalties.
- Potential for Fraud: Many online dealers are scams, leaving buyers without product and out of money.
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How to Recognize Genuine Sources
If someone considers purchasing fentanyl, it is crucial to identify reputable sources, though it is advised to remain cautious:
- Research: Investigate the online pharmacy or dealer. Check for reviews, ratings, and licenses.
- Verify Legitimate Pharmacies: Look for pharmacies that require a prescription and comply with local regulations.
- Consult Professionals: Speak with a healthcare provider regarding the necessity and safety of using fentanyl.
Healthier Alternatives to Consider
- The analogs have similar—but not the same—chemical structure, and they mimic the pharmacological effects of the original drug.
- If someone is unconscious or has any of these signs, administer naloxone and call 911 immediately.
- This makes drugs cheaper, more potent, more addictive, and more dangerous.
- It is commonly seen as a white powder and because it is cheap and potent, it is added to heroin or sold disguised as heroin.
- Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products.
Instead of pursuing illegal methods to obtain fentanyl, individuals should explore safer alternatives:
- Consult a Physician: Discuss medical needs with a healthcare provider, who can prescribe appropriate medications.
- Therapy and Rehabilitation: Seek help for pain management or substance use disorders through licensed professionals.
- Opiate Substitutes: Consider alternative medications that may effectively manage pain without the associated risks of fentanyl.
FAQs about Buying Fentanyl Online
Q1: Is it legal to buy fentanyl online?
A1: It is illegal to buy fentanyl without a prescription from a licensed provider.
Q2: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A2: Symptoms include slow or difficult breathing, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
Q3: Are there safe ways to manage pain?
A3: Consulting healthcare providers can lead to safer pain management options than using fentanyl.
Q4: What should I do if I suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl?
A4: Call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone if available.
Conclusion
Purchasing fentanyl online can seem like a solution for managing pain; however, the risks and dangers greatly outweigh any potential benefits. Understanding safe practices, exploring healthier alternatives, and seeking professional guidance is crucial for anyone dealing with pain or considering using fentanyl. Remember, health and safety should always come first.
