Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl test strips are a form of drug testing technology that have shown to be effective at detecting the presence of fentanyl and fentanyl-analogs in drug samples prior to ingestion. Based on the results of the test strips, people can choose to implement strategies to reduce the risk of overdose. Published literature supports that people are willing to use fentanyl test strips and change behavior as a result of a positive test. Further studies should examine which fentanyl analogs are able to be detected in urine or drugs and to what degree of sensitivity. In general, our results suggest that rapid drug tests might be an acceptable intervention for young adults who use drugs for identifying adulterants in the drug illicit supply.
In addition to naloxone (e.g., Narcan), fentanyl test strips are a proven way to help reduce overdoses and death as a result of fentanyl. Xylazine may be mixed in with other illicit drugs for several reasons, including increasing drug weight or adding an effect. People who use drugs may not be aware of the presence of xylazine in their drug product. There are limitations to xylazine and fentanyl drug checking strips because illicit drugs are not evenly mixed. This means that fentanyl and/or xylazine may still be present in a drug product, even when a portion of the product tested with drug checking strips does not react. This is why it’s best to assume that all drugs not prescribed and handed to you by a pharmacist are mixed with fentanyl, xylazine, or other drugs.
Fentanyl test strips do not provide information about the amount or strength of fentanyl in a drug supply. Please help keep our LGBTQ community safe by learning about fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, usually found in powdered form. Overdose can be avoided by having fentanyl test strips with you to help detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs including cocaine, meth, heroin and other opioids. Or, by having Narcan with you, which can help to prevent a fatal overdose.
Testing every time before you use may not be enough, and some drugs like weed don’t need to be tested at all. Research has shown that people who use fentanyl test strips often make changes that can keep them safer. In one study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 70% of participants said they would change their behavior if they knew the drugs they used contained fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. It is often used medically to treat patients with severe pain, particularly after surgery or those with chronic pain conditions.
This mixing is the reason why opioid overdose deaths remain high in Wisconsin. Help the people in your life understand the risks of opioid use by getting the facts for yourself. 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.
Despite the number and diversity of its analogs, fentanyl itself continues to dominate the illicit opioid supply. Milligram per milligram, fentanyl is roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. As the chief of medical toxicology at UMass Chan Medical School, I have studied fentanyl and its analogs for years. As fentanyl has become ubiquitous across the U.S., it has transformed the illicit drug market and raised the risk of overdose.
These agencies are receiving fentanyl test strip packages directly from the manufacturer. Each package contains one fentanyl test strip and instructions on how to use it. The participating organizations are handing out the packages at no cost.
However, due to its potency and the risks associated with it, the question arises: Can you buy fentanyl? This article will explore the legal, medical, and illegal aspects of fentanyl acquisition.
Wherever you or someone you care about may be in a struggle with opioids, there are people ready to help. In Wisconsin, no one is alone in their journey to overcome opioid use disorder. An LGBTQ+ positive residential treatment program using evidenced-based, individualized strategies to help people recover from drug and alcohol addiction. According to experts, there are many reasons fentanyl has become such a widely used illicit drug, despite its high overdose potential.
Legal Access to Fentanyl
In a medical context, fentanyl is available through prescription. Here are the circumstances under which you can legally obtain it:
- It is prescribed by a licensed medical professional for legitimate medical use.
- It is obtained from licensed pharmacies or medical institutions.
- It may be administered in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions.
Obtaining fentanyl without a prescription or from unauthorized sources is illegal and poses significant legal risks.
Risks Associated with Purchasing Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl illegally can lead to serious consequences:
- Legal repercussions: Being caught with illegal fentanyl can result in arrest, fines, or imprisonment.
- Health risks: Illegally obtained fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Addiction potential: Fentanyl is highly addictive, with misuse leading to dependency and addiction.
FAQs about Fentanyl
Responding To An Opioid Overdose
1. Can you buy fentanyl online?
Can you buy fentanyl online? While there are websites that claim to sell fentanyl, purchasing from these sources is illegal and highly dangerous. It is crucial to avoid online purchases unless through verified and licensed pharmacies.
- Learn tips for how you can help protect your child from accidental overdose.
- ASAP Market is not the only dark web marketplace to – supposedly inadvertently – facilitate the fentanyl trade.
- Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl.
- However, naloxone may put a person dependent on opioids into withdrawal, which can be a very painful and uncomfortable experience.
- It must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects.
2. What should you do if prescribed fentanyl?
If you have been prescribed fentanyl, ensure to:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Store the medication securely to prevent misuse.
- Dispose of any unused medication responsibly.
3. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs of overdose include:
- Difficulty breathing or slow breathing.
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake up.
- Pale, blue, or cold skin.
Conclusion
The question, can you buy fentanyl, emphasizes the need for awareness and caution. While fentanyl can be legally obtained through a prescription, illegal purchase exposes individuals to severe health and legal consequences. Always prioritize safety and legality when considering opioids like fentanyl.
