Considering nearly 8,000 people died of a drug overdose statewide last year, addiction specialists say any help is welcome. You can use the drug residue left in the cooker after preparing an injectable dose. Add enough water to dissolve the drugs into the container or cooker.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is estimated to be 50-100 times more powerful than morphine. Originally developed for medical use, it is now being illegally produced and distributed, leading to a rise in overdose deaths worldwide. The increasing demand for this dangerous drug raises questions: Can you buy fentanyl? And if so, what are the risks and consequences?
Implications for preventing crypto use in the fentanyl trade
The Illicit Market for Fentanyl
Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs that come in powder form. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids such as oxycodone. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl.
Only one of these are deadly.
In recent years, the illicit market for fentanyl has expanded rapidly. It is commonly sold as a white powder or pressed into counterfeit prescription pills resembling opioids like oxycodone or Xanax, making it difficult to distinguish from other medications. The internet has also become a platform for illegal fentanyl sales, with countless websites and online marketplaces offering this deadly drug.
Risks and Consequences of Buying Fentanyl
Fentanyl test strips
Buying fentanyl from illicit sources is extremely risky and can have severe consequences:
- Overdose: Fentanyl is highly potent, and even a small dose can be lethal. Purchasing it illegally dramatically increases the risk of unintentional overdose, which can lead to respiratory failure and death.
- Unknown Composition: Illegally manufactured fentanyl often contains mixtures of other drugs or substances. Without proper knowledge or testing, it is impossible to know the exact composition, potency, or potential contaminants, increasing the danger of its use.
- Legal Consequences: Buying, possessing, or distributing fentanyl is illegal in most countries due to its high abuse potential and extreme dangers. Engaging in such activities can result in severe legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
- Supporting Criminal Organizations: Purchasing fentanyl from illegal sources perpetuates the cycle of drug trafficking and supports criminal organizations. By buying this drug, individuals indirectly contribute to violence, addiction, and other societal harms associated with the illicit drug trade.
- To get extremely potent opioids, users turn to the dark web—and sometimes, Google.
- Because a smaller dose has a similar effect relative to other opioids, it is also easier to smuggle.
- University officials said the drug could have a breakthrough effect by becoming a relapse prevention agent for people trying to quit opioid use, which is notoriously difficult.
- Test kits that include strips and a special testing solution can cost anywhere between $25 to $40 each and are available online.
- Each package contains one fentanyl test strip and instructions on how to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Resources
The Texas Targeted Opioid Response (TTOR) is a public health initiative operated by HHSC through federal funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. As a result of this grant, many local health departments and harm reduction centers now provide fentanyl test strips. You can check with your local health department for availability and information on where to buy fentanyl test strips in your community. But fentanyl first made its way into the illicit drug supply about 10 years ago, particularly in areas east of the Mississippi River.
Q: Can I buy fentanyl legally?
A: No, fentanyl is a controlled substance and can only be obtained legally through a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
Q: Is fentanyl prescribed for medical purposes?
A: Yes, fentanyl is used as an analgesic for severe pain management in medical settings. However, it should only be administered under strict supervision by healthcare professionals.
If you choose to use again, be mindful of potential changes in drug potency and start with a smaller dose than you might have used in the past. These strategies can help you avoid an accidental overdose or other unwanted experiences. Start with a very small dose every time you use something that could be contaminated with fentanyl. Because fentanyl is often mixed in with other substances in large batches, the amount present in a single pill or drug can vary widely. Experts consider 2 mg of fentanyl to be lethal, but many counterfeit pills contain up to 5 mg (more than twice the lethal dose).
Drugs Can be Checked for Fentanyl
Q: Are there any safe alternatives to buying illicit fentanyl?
A: Absolutely! If you or someone you know is struggling with pain or substance abuse, it is vital to seek proper medical care and guidance. Licensed healthcare professionals can provide appropriate pain management strategies and offer safer alternatives to fentanyl.
Q: What should I do if I suspect someone is selling or using fentanyl illegally?
A: If you suspect illegal fentanyl activities, it’s essential to report your concerns to local law enforcement authorities. Your information could help prevent harm and dismantle these dangerous operations.
In conclusion, buying fentanyl illegally is not only extremely dangerous but also carries severe consequences. It is crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with this potent drug and educate individuals about the importance of seeking appropriate medical assistance.
