Understanding Fentanyl
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Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used medically for pain management. However, it has gained notoriety for its illegal use and significant risks associated with overdose.
Legitimate Uses of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is generally prescribed in the following forms:
The weight limit between “retail” and “wholesale” quantities was arbitrarily set to 5 grams (20 items for listing not in powder or liquid form) to acknowledge the potency of novel synthetic opioids. Manual checks have been performed to remove inconsistent data and outliers to prevent potential distortions in the calculations of averages. Listings displaying several countries (e.g., “FRANCE BELGIUM HOLLAND GERMANY”) or imprecise/inexistent/ambivalent countries of origins (e.g., “North Pole,” “The White House”) were excluded from the analysis. The Drug Abuse Ontology (DAO) was developed by the research team building on our prior work on web-based analytics for substance use epidemiology research (Cameron et al., 2013; Daniulaityte et al., 2015; Lamy et al., 2017). It also contains information regarding the route of administration (e.g., transdermal, IV), unit of dosage (e.g., gr, kg, ml, films), physical forms (e.g., powder, patch, drop), and drug effects (e.g., euphoria, pain control). However, many states are changing their policies to help prevent opioid overdoses and save lives.
The underlying message of the report was that the US Postal Service should do more to crack down on these illicit shipments. 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. That’s precisely why sellers prefer the US Postal Service over FedEx or UPS.
According to the report, the street value of the 500 online transactions discovered by the Subcommittee in its investigation conservatively translates to around $766 million-worth of fentanyl. Oregon is experiencing an influx of fentanyl in the form of counterfeit pills. Many of these pills are made to look identical to prescription opioids and are falsely marketed to people in the community as legitimate. Most counterfeit pills resemble oxycodone 30mg pills (M30s), but they can also look like hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, and other medications. These are photos of counterfeit pills collected from a drug seizure in Oregon.
- Transdermal patches for chronic pain relief.
- Injectable forms for surgeries and severe pain management.
- Lozenges or tablets for breakthrough cancer pain.
Where Can I Get Naloxone?
Fentanyl Abuse and Its Consequences
According to the Department of Justice, F.O.R.T. is a multiagency team composed of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Fresno Police Department. The first is that many dark web markets – though outwardly disassociating themselves from the fentanyl trade – continue to be either a willing or inadvertent intermediary for facilitating the purchase and sale of deadly opioids. This classification has likely affected research, law enforcement, and more. For example, a Schedule I classification may discourage criminal activity, but it can also make it harder for researchers to study a drug. One 2 milligram (mg) dose of fentanyl is enough to kill an adult, but may be more or less depending upon your body size, opioid tolerance, and former usage.
These attributes made it a good prescription choice for some patients, because it reduced some of the risks of medical complications that other pain relievers have. Fentanyl is a very strong synthetic narcotic primarily used to ease the suffering of patients with chronic pain or terminal illnesses. Since the 1990s, the drug has been available in a patch or lozenge for easy and effective delivery of the time-released medicines. Fentanyl is so potent that residual chemicals in used patches have been suspected of contaminating water supplies when flushed down the toilet. Used patches have also been known to stick to children or animals, causing unintentional overdoses.
The rise in fentanyl abuse has led to severe public health concerns, including:
- Increased rates of overdose.
- Publicized fatalities linked to counterfeit pills.
- Challenges in law enforcement and healthcare responses.
This Executive Order reinforces the City’s commitment to saving lives through harm reduction amid the ongoing opioid epidemic. Any drug not prescribed by a licensed pharmacy could contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. The Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR) provides test strips and naloxone to both individuals and organizations. In addition to distributing these supplies at pop-ups and community events listed on our events page, there are a few ways you can get naloxone and test strips to prevent a fatal overdose in your community. False positives may occur, the strips do not tell you how much fentanyl is present or how potent it is, and not all states consider the strips legal.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Online?
While some may search for where can I buy fentanyl online, it is critical to know that purchasing fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and dangerous. Here are some important points to consider:
- The vast majority of online sources sell counterfeit or contaminated products.
- Purchasing from unauthorized websites can lead to significant legal issues.
- Illegitimate sellers may prioritize profit over safety, putting users at risk.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
Engaging in purchasing fentanyl online poses various risks:
- Health Risks: Risk of overdose, especially with inconsistent dosages.
- Legal Risks: Involvement in drug trafficking charges.
- Financial Risks: Potential loss of money with no delivery of product.
Seeking Help and Alternatives
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain management or dependency, consider the following alternatives:
- Consult with a healthcare professional for safe and effective pain management options.
- Explore prescribed medications that are legitimate and meet health guidelines.
- Look into holistic and non-pharmacological treatments.
FAQs
What is fentanyl commonly prescribed for?
Fentanyl is commonly prescribed for severe pain management, particularly in cancer patients and those undergoing surgery.
Can I purchase fentanyl legally online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and poses significant health and legal risks.
What should I do if I encounter fentanyl on the street?
It is advisable to avoid any interaction with illicit drugs. If you see someone in possession of fentanyl, contact local law enforcement.
- The company describes itself as a maker of drug and pesticide intermediates.
- Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it.
- He progressed to prescription painkillers, and then, when they became too expensive, to heroin.
- When used immediately after an overdose, naloxone can block the effects of the opioids and help prevent death.
- Charlie purchased the pill online from a social media site, which unknowingly connected him to a counterfeit dealer.
- He and his colleagues built up a robust online synthetic drug operation over the last decade at Shanghai Huilitongda Biological Technology Co.
How can I find legitimate help for pain management?
Seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider who can recommend appropriate treatments and support.
Always prioritize safety and legality when navigating issues related to fentanyl and its availability.