TDMHSAS added this low cost, life-saving tool to its overdose prevention program, and the results outperformed previous, comparable studies. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years. Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using. This makes evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as fentanyl test strips, safety planning, and access to safe supply more vital than ever. Naloxone (Narcan) now available by request from your pharmacist or by mail.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is primarily used for pain management. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. As such, it can only be legally obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
Some black-market drug makers create new fentanyl analogs to avoid classification as illegal, get around policy restrictions on manufacturing, and evade detection in standard drug tests. It can be difficult to determine if pills were legally produced for pharmaceutical distribution or illegally produced for illegal drug sales. Counterfeit prescription medications, such as a fentanyl-laced Xany-bar or counterfeit Xanax, were reportedly made at a “pill mill” or illegal pill press.
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The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl Without a Prescription
Attempting to purchase fentanyl without a prescription is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Here are several reasons why:
Video: Protect yourself from the dangers of fentanyl
1. Illegality
- Based on preliminary 2021 data, there were 6,843 opioid-related overdose deaths in California; 5,722 of these deaths were related to fentanyl.
- Before using, wash or sanitize your hands and any surfaces used to prepare the drugs.
- Naloxone can reverse a fentanyl overdose, although in some cases it may take more doses because fentanyl is so potent.
- In 2021, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Criminalistics Laboratory analyzed 17,163 fentanyl pills disguised as prescription drugs.
- Do not let anyone else use your medication, even if he or she has the same symptoms that you have.
- In a medical setting, it can be administered via injection, patch, or lozenge.
In many countries, including the United States, it is illegal to buy or sell fentanyl without a prescription. Engaging in such activities violates federal and state laws, which can lead to severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and imprisonment.
To use fentanyl sublingual tablets (Abstral), follow these steps:
2. Increased Risk of Counterfeit Products
In Wisconsin, no one is alone in their journey to overcome opioid use disorder. Xylazine use can lead to unresponsiveness, forgetfulness or memory loss, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and reduced breathing. Xylazine can also cause wounds and may lead to life-threatening infections that can cause conditions like endocarditis and sepsis. These wounds have been reported from injecting, smoking, and snorting xylazine, and they can develop quickly.
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Buying fentanyl without a prescription significantly increases the risk of obtaining counterfeit products. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl can often be found on the black market, where it may be mixed with other substances or improperly labeled. Consuming these products can result in serious health complications or even death.
3. Lack of Professional Guidance
The compact, lightweight, and robust devices have simple push button controls and work by scanning. For illicit or dangerous substances such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, the screen turns red. Drug precursors or chemicals that can mask some narcotics’ Raman signals return a yellow or orange screen. I’ve had a few people who quit using stimulants after using testing strips because they could not get any drugs that didn’t have fentanyl; their drugs were always testing positive for fentanyl. In 2021, 107,622 lives were lost in the United States due to a drug overdose. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45.
When purchasing fentanyl with a valid prescription, medical professionals carefully assess factors such as dosage, duration of treatment, and potential interactions with other medications. By buying fentanyl without a prescription, you bypass this crucial step and expose yourself to unnecessary risks. Self-medication can have adverse effects on your health and potentially exacerbate any existing conditions.
The Importance of Proper Usage and Supervision
Why would drug dealers add Fentanyl to drugs if it can kill people?
Fentanyl is an incredibly potent opioid, approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Its potency increases the risk of overdose and potential respiratory depression. The proper usage and supervision of fentanyl are essential to ensure safety and minimize the risk of developing an addiction.
If you suddenly stop using fentanyl, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Watch a video on How to use fentanyl test strips from Prevent Overdose-Rhode Island. There is no way to know how much fentanyl is in something based on look, smell, or taste.
What You Should Know About Fentanyl
Only healthcare professionals who have undergone specialized training in pain management and opioid prescribing should administer fentanyl. They monitor patients closely, adjust dosages when necessary, and provide education on potential side effects and risks associated with the medication.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
If you require fentanyl for legitimate medical reasons, it is imperative to consult a licensed healthcare professional. They will thoroughly evaluate your condition, determine if fentanyl is the appropriate treatment, and guide you through the entire process while prioritizing your well-being and safety.
Attempting to buy fentanyl without a prescription not only puts your health at risk but also contributes to the illegal drug market. The misuse of opioids, including fentanyl, has led to a devastating public health crisis in many parts of the world. By adhering to legal channels and seeking professional guidance, we can collectively combat this epidemic and protect our communities.
