Pills & Tablets
Why Is Fentanyl Being Added To Street Drugs?
Understanding the Demand: Do People Buy Fentanyl?
- It is not possible to determine whether fentanyl is present in illicit drugs by smell or taste.
- When monitored and used as directed by your physician, it can effectively relieve severe pain.
- According to the Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse, ONE in FIVE teens have already tried prescription drugs illegally.
- It happens to teens who come from all backgrounds and income levels.
- In its liquid form, illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be found in nasal sprays and eye drops, and it can be dropped onto paper or small candies.
- Consistent with other recent studies, we found that people learning of unintentional fentanyl use expressed strong concerns about accidental overdose.
Fentanyl has become a pressing topic in discussions surrounding drug use, addiction, and the opioid crisis. This synthetic opioid is known for its potency, significantly stronger than morphine, and is often associated with illicit use. This article delves into the various aspects of fentanyl, exploring the question: do people buy fentanyl?
The Nature of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is primarily used in medical settings to treat severe pain, typically in patients undergoing surgery or those with chronic pain conditions. However, its illicit use poses severe health risks and has contributed to a rising number of overdose deaths.
It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Nationwide deaths related to black market fentanyl pills are rising. Many victims are people who got hooked on pain pills following medical procedures.
This powder is used in this state for illicit purposes only either by snorting, smoking, or dissolved in water to be injected. For medical purposes, it is further manufactured into its other usable forms. Similar to other illicit substances that serve medical purposes when used properly, fentanyl is available in a multitude of applications (3). Though they are intended for medical purposes, these products are made available for illicit purposes as well. Choose recovery and take control of your life, it’s the path to a brighter future filled with health, happiness, and fulfillment. As part of that partnership, PNNL’s fentanyl handling and detection experts are helping assess the performance of detection equipment used by emergency responders.
It is an opioid, like morphine, codeine, oxycodone (oxys) and methadone. Fentanyl is most often prescribed as a slow-release patch to people with long-term, severe pain. He’d been in and out of rehab more than half a dozen times when fentanyl inundated Ohio. 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.
Even if you’re unsure if someone is having an overdose and you have naloxone, give it to them right away. If they’re experiencing overdose symptoms, this is your best first action. It won’t hurt them to have naloxone, even if it’s not an overdose.
Not only those with opioid use disorder suffer, but also their families and communities, in a decades-long crisis that has blighted the country. The demands that we seal the borders against fentanyl are completely understandable. It’s becoming more challenging in the U.S. as we are now seeing the mixing of Xylazine, which is an animal tranquilizers used in veterinarian medicine, to be mixed into fentanyl and other drugs.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information hotline for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders. Colorado authorities have seen a large influx of fentanyl over the past year and are expecting to see an increase in overdoses in the coming months. In fact, the CDC announced that fentanyl is now the leading cause of death among adults 18 to 45 in the United States. Colorado has seen an increase in fentanyl overdoses over the past year.
Reasons People May Buy Fentanyl Illegally
Several factors contribute to the illegal purchase of fentanyl:
- Accessibility: Fentanyl can often be obtained more easily than prescription opioids.
- Cost-effectiveness: Illicit fentanyl is frequently cheaper than other drugs.
- Potency: Users may seek out fentanyl for its strong effects, often looking for a more intense high.
- Addiction: Individuals struggling with opioid addiction may turn to fentanyl when other substances become less effective.
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl from illegal sources carries significant risks:
- Overdose Risk: Due to its potency, even a small amount can lead to fatal overdoses.
- Contamination: Illicit fentanyl may be mixed with other substances, increasing the danger.
- Legal Consequences: Buying or possessing illegal fentanyl can result in severe legal repercussions.
Public Perception and Misconceptions
The narrative surrounding fentanyl is often clouded by stigma and misinformation. Many people may not fully understand:
- The difference between medical and illicit use: Medical fentanyl is prescribed under strict regulations, whereas illicit fentanyl is unregulated and dangerous.
- Recreational drug use motivations: Many individuals do not start using fentanyl with the intent to misuse it; addiction can develop unexpectedly.
FAQs about Fentanyl
1. Why do people buy fentanyl instead of other opioids?
People may choose fentanyl for its significantly higher potency and lower cost compared to other opioids.
2. What should I do if I suspect someone is using fentanyl?
It’s crucial to approach the situation sensitively. Encourage them to seek help from health professionals who specialize in addiction.
3. Can fentanyl be detected in drug tests?
Yes, fentanyl can be identified through specific drug testing; however, not all standard tests include fentanyl.
4. How can I protect myself from fentanyl exposure?
Staying informed about the dangers and potential presence of fentanyl in various substances is essential. Avoid using drugs from unverified sources.
Conclusion
The question of do people buy fentanyl opens up a larger discussion about addiction, the opioid epidemic, and the pressing need for effective intervention strategies. Understanding the complexities surrounding fentanyl is vital, whether you are involved in healthcare, law enforcement, or simply wish to educate yourself and others about the dangers of opioid misuse.
