Understanding Fentanyl and Its Availability
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. CSU Health Network provides resources to help students learn how to improve mental health, manage stress and minimize anxiety.
Test strips are convenient and easy to use, taking just a few minutes to get results. Personalized support for addressing your child’s substance use or addiction available in English and Spanish. Fentanyl mixed (adulterated) with xylazine has been declared an emerging drug threat (link) by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. A new program called Meds First allows people to get MOUD right away.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used to treat severe pain, often in patients with chronic pain or those recovering from surgery. It is significantly more potent than morphine, making it effective for patients who are tolerant to other opioids.
These groups may be able to provide test strips free of charge, or know where you can get them. Legal fentanyl is a synthetic prescription opioid developed in the 1960s and is used to treat severe pain such as breakthrough cancer pain in patients who are opioid-tolerant. The word “overdose” has sometimes carried a moral judgment that the individual was “pushing their limits” in order to get as high as possible, as if it were their own fault. My hope is the test strips could become even more available so that someone could go to a drugstore, pharmacy, or convenience store and be able to purchase them. We want multiple touchpoints and multiple avenues for people to be able to empower themselves and stay safe. If you decide to use the drugs after testing them, you can drink them or inject them.
However, the increasing misuse and illegal distribution of fentanyl have led many to inquire, “where can you buy fentanyl?” This article will address the legal avenues for obtaining fentanyl and the associated risks.
It’s hard to know if they were intentionally using multiple substances simultaneously or if it was an unintentional exposure. If you’re using pills, you’ll need to crush a pill on a clean surface before dissolving it in 1 tablespoon of water. If you plan to use IV drugs, prepare the shot, set the needle aside, and add about one-fifth teaspoon of water to the spoon/cooker with the drug. When you use an illegal drug, there’s no guarantee that it contains what the dealer or person who gave it to you says it does. The only way to know if a drug has been contaminated with it is to test it.
They even distributed them to businesses, such as barbershops, smoke shops, and individuals in cars took fentanyl test strips. Incarceration is also common among communities of color, particularly Black people. I might be able to recognize … they got a thing called speedballing where they’re doing heroin and coke at the same time … if I’m in an environment where they’re doing that, I can recognize it. If someone smoking crack is overdosing, I don’t know if I would recognize [the overdose]. After selecting potential participants through consultation with case managers, participants were asked if they were interested in a research interview. The decision to participate did not influence any services received by Action Wellness and the interviewer (author MKR) did not share any information disclosed by participants to case managers.
Legal Purchase of Fentanyl
For legitimate medical use, fentanyl can only be obtained through the following channels:
- Prescription from a Licensed Physician: Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance. This means you require a prescription to buy it legally. A healthcare provider will assess your medical condition and determine if fentanyl is appropriate for you.
- Pharmacies: Once you have a valid prescription, you can purchase fentanyl at licensed pharmacies. Major pharmacy chains and local drugstores typically stock various forms of fentanyl, including patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions.
- Hospital Settings: Fentanyl is often used in hospitals for pain management. If you are hospitalized, healthcare professionals may administer fentanyl as part of your treatment.
Some WA State syringe services programs can provide fentanyl test strips. You can’t see, smell or taste fentanyl when it’s mixed with other drugs. If you use heroin, cocaine or crack—even rarely—you’re at risk of a fentanyl-involved overdose.
A fast, cheap test to see if street drugs contain fentanyl is gaining favor with researchers and drug outreach workers as a breakthrough in preventing overdoses and slowing the nation’s growing death toll from opioid abuse. Data collected from safe injection facilities in Canada indicate there has been a 2,000 percent rise in street drugs testing positive for fentanyl since 2012. Fentanyl Test Strips is a drug test strip that is used to identify the presences of Fentanyl and 10 known analogues in unregulated drugs.
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Risks of Unauthorized Purchase
Purchasing fentanyl through unauthorized channels poses significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Buying or selling fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.
- Potential for Addiction: Fentanyl is highly addictive, and misuse can lead to dependence and addiction.
- Health Risks: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be counterfeit or mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to buy fentanyl online?
While some websites may offer fentanyl, purchasing it online without a prescription is illegal and dangerous. These products are often counterfeit.
- The test strip legislation was supported by state attorneys Dave Aronberg in Palm Beach County and Harold Pryor in Broward.
- All participants knew about fentanyl, regardless of whether they used opioids.
- A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery.
- You’ll find up-to-date fact sheets, webinars, manuals, training guides, and more.
- The Rapid Response™ Fentanyl (FYL) Test Strip Kit is a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Fentanyl/ Norfentanyl in liquid and powder substances at the cut-off concentration of 200 ng/mL.
What should I do if I think I need fentanyl?
If you believe you require fentanyl for pain management, consult your healthcare provider or a pain specialist. They can assess your situation and determine the appropriate treatment.
What alternatives are there to fentanyl?
Many alternatives to fentanyl exist, including:
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Non-opioid pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Conclusion
Understanding where you can buy fentanyl is crucial for those needing pain relief while recognizing the potential dangers of misuse. It is essential to obtain this medication legally and responsibly under the guidance of a medical professional to avoid severe health and legal consequences.
