Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine or heroin, has gained notoriety in recent years due to its increasing involvement in drug overdose deaths. While fentanyl is a prescription medication used for severe pain management, it has also become a sought-after drug in the illicit market. The question arises: do people buy fentanyl? Let’s delve into this issue and explore the reasons behind its popularity.
The Appeal of Fentanyl
What does it feel like to use fentanyl?
You can now buy illicit fentanyl on Washington’s streets for as little as 50 cents a pill. Mr. Webb, a laid-back snowboarder and skateboarder who, with the imminent birth of his first child, had become despondent over his pandemic-dimmed finances, bought Percocet, a prescription opioid, through a dealer on Snapchat. People who use street drugs often don’t even know they’re taking fentanyl. The U.S. has sealed off the overseas bank accounts of Guanghua Zheng and his son. The feds also shut down what prosecutors say were the Zheng’s 40 websites selling illegal drugs in 20 languages. We don’t know if their lab shut down, but the network has been, at least for now.
Fentanyl offers a powerful and immediate high, making it attractive to those seeking intense euphoria and sedation. Its potency, being up to 100 times stronger than morphine, means that even minuscule amounts can produce an intense effect. This characteristic contributes to its appeal among drug users who are looking for a quick and powerful high.
Rainbow Fentanyl
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. Though volumes observed by Elliptic are comparatively insignificant to other facets of the global fentanyl trade, the failure of dark web markets to enforce their own rules raises the risk of them becoming a key facilitator in the future. Thus, users who assume they’re taking prescription medication in a safe dose may end up consuming a mix of lethal drugs. In San Francisco, they’re known as “commuter drug dealers” due to the fact that they tend to stay in the cheaper East Bay and take the BART downtown. In this report, we say that the Drug Enforcement Administration says about a quarter of the fentanyl pills it seizes contain enough of the drug to be lethal.
Moreover, fentanyl is relatively inexpensive compared to other drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Its lower cost makes it an appealing option for individuals with substance abuse disorders who are looking for an affordable way to satisfy their cravings.
The Dark Side: Health Risks and Overdose
This makes it impossible for someone to know the strength or the mixture of substances in their drug product. IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon. Study participants were grateful that the research team shared the information that their UA results were positive for fentanyl.
Signs of an overdose:
While some may be drawn to fentanyl for its potency and affordability, it is crucial to highlight the significant risks associated with its use. Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug, especially when consumed without medical supervision. Its potency makes it highly susceptible to unintentional overdoses, often resulting in respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
Naloxone is an antidote prescription to counter the effects of an opioid overdose if needed. Parents of children with prescribed opioids or children suspected of abusing opioids can get a prescription for naloxone, which will be covered under most insurance plans through local pharmacies. Some charities even offer naloxone without a prescription, says Dr. Peterson. If medically prescribed, parents are advised to be careful when administering fentanyl to their children, and they are equipped with training to spot signs and symptoms of opioid overdose. They are also provided an antidote prescription to counter the effects of an opioid overdose if needed.
The alarming increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths reflects the severity of this issue. Its presence in counterfeit pills, mixed with other drugs such as heroin or cocaine, further amplifies the dangers for unsuspecting individuals. The risk of accidental overdose is significantly heightened, as users may unknowingly consume lethal doses due to the inconsistent potency of illicitly manufactured fentanyl products.
We also understand, through our administration, what we must do to support the states in increasing federal dollars available to the states to be able to purchase this important treatment. And so, part of the work that the President and I have done is to invest billions of dollars, including record investments in naloxone and recovery services. And today, we are announcing an additional $50 million for substance use and treatment. It is also important to understand the specific impact on the young people of our country. You know, there was a time where the young people of our country would go to a party and we as parents would be concerned about whether they were smoking weed or drinking alcohol underage. Now what’s happening at these parties is people are passing around pills.
The Role of the Illicit Market
The availability of fentanyl in the illicit market has played a significant role in its popularity among drug users. The dark web, in particular, has facilitated access to fentanyl by providing an anonymous and convenient platform for drug transactions. Online marketplaces offering various forms of fentanyl, including powder, patches, and even counterfeit prescription pills, have become increasingly common.
The drug targets the brain and the spinal cord to create a sense of well-being or euphoria. Symptoms can include talkativeness, decreased appetite and a pleasurable sense of well-being. Meth also speeds up the body’s systems to sometimes lethal levels by increasing blood pressure and heart and respiratory rates. Fentanyl was created in 1960 and approved for use in America in 1968. It’s most commonly used as a sedative and pain reliever for patients.
- Lastly, a person who uses fentanyl or another opioid regularly can become tolerant to its effects, meaning that a person will need to take more of the drug to feel the same effect.
- You cannot tell if a pill, powder, nasal spray or injection bought off of the street contains a deadly dose of any drug just by looking at it.
- People who use drugs may not be aware of the presence of xylazine in their drug product.
Additionally, the rise of fentanyl analogs, chemically similar substances that mimic its effects, has contributed to the diversification of the illicit fentanyl market. These analogs, often produced in clandestine laboratories, aim to circumvent legal restrictions by slightly modifying the chemical structure of fentanyl while maintaining its potency. However, these alterations also increase the risks associated with their use, as their effects and dosage requirements may differ greatly from standard fentanyl.
Prevention and Awareness
To combat the escalating crisis surrounding fentanyl, it is imperative to prioritize prevention and raise public awareness. Education programs, both in schools and communities, should focus on informing individuals about the dangers of fentanyl and the potential consequences of its use. This includes teaching harm reduction strategies such as proper drug testing, overdose response training, and access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication.
Lacing or replacing drugs with fentanyl
In conclusion, the demand for fentanyl in the illicit market remains a concerning issue. Despite its inherent risks and association with countless deaths, some individuals still choose to buy fentanyl due to its potency and affordability. Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach, involving law enforcement efforts, improved access to addiction treatment, and comprehensive education to dissuade people from engaging in this dangerous behavior.
