Mayor Signs Executive Order To Decriminalize Fentanyl Test Strips
And yet those myths and stereotypes continue to drive our policies, our clinical models, the way the public thinks about drug use. The AMA promotes the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. Learn about the nation’s drug overdose and death epidemic, and the efforts made by physicians to end the epidemic in this AMA Advocacy Insights webinar.
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Understanding Fentanyl
The inexpensive strips have been embraced by treatment organizations as a way to reduce harms from illicit drug use. Nearly 40 states have legalized their use, according to the Network for Public Health Law. The Gazette spoke with Sarah Wakeman, the senior medical director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham about the legal shift over use of the products. DanceSafe fentanyl test strips have been laboratory-assessed to work for harm reduction purposes, as opposed to just urine testing. The illicit trade in fentanyl – a powerful opioid between 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine – is a deadly enterprise that spans organized crime groups in China, Mexico and much of the western world.
They often contain fentanyl in potentially deadly amounts but are mislabeled as other opioids. The DEA sampled tablets seized nationwide between January and March 2019. It found 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. A Booklet for FamiliesCreated for family members of people with alcohol abuse or drug abuse problems. Answers questions about substance abuse, its symptoms, different types of treatment, and recovery. Addresses concerns of children of parents with substance use/abuse problems.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or those undergoing major surgery.
CSU Health Network provides resources to help students learn how to improve mental health, manage stress and minimize anxiety. These include online 24/7 tools, groups and workshops, multicultural counseling, one-on-one services and more. This has long been a fear that if you give people tools to make something safer, they’re going to take greater risk. But we actually have really good evidence in the drug-use space that harm reduction interventions don’t encourage drug use. And people who use drugs have not forfeited their human rights, including the right to life and health. Most people in the U.S. use drugs, whether it’s caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine.
According to the DEA, most of the illicit supply comes from outside the United States, where clandestine laboratories synthesize fentanyl into counterfeit pills. These fake pills are designed to appear nearly identical to legitimate prescriptions, such as Oxycontin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Adderall®, Xanax®, and other medicines. Fentanyl powder is also being added to other street drugs to increase their potency. You can’t tell if fentanyl is in the drug you are about to use.
The nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic demands immediate and collective action, with physicians taking the lead. Don’t leave your drugs in the oven for too long after they’re dry. If your drugs weren’t brown to begin with, a tan or brown tint might mean that you’ve burned them.
However, due to its potency, it also poses significant risks for abuse and overdose.
Anyone who uses drugs that may contain fentanyl, even occasionally, may be at risk of overdose. 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. Last year, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office recorded more than 350 overdose deaths involving opioids, nearly triple the number only three years earlier, an increase driven by fentanyl. Oregon has the highest rate of drug use disorder in the country, and the fastest-growing fatal overdose rate among teenagers.
How Can I Buy Fentanyl?
If you are considering acquiring fentanyl, it is crucial to understand the legal and health implications involved. Here are some ways to approach the topic:
1. Prescription from a Medical Professional
The safest and legal way to obtain fentanyl is through a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider. Here’s how that process generally works:
Legally made fentanyl can be diverted through theft, fradulent prescriptions, and illicit distribution. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is distributed in powder or tablet (pill) form through illegal drug markets. IMF is added to other drugs, especially opioids, because of its extreme potency. This makes drugs cheaper, more potent, more addictive, and more dangerous.
- Consult with your doctor about your pain management needs.
- If the doctor believes fentanyl is appropriate, they will write a prescription.
- Fill the prescription at a licensed pharmacy.
2. Understanding the Risks
Before obtaining fentanyl, it is important to recognize the potential risks:
- High potential for addiction and dependency.
- Risk of overdose, especially if misused or combined with other substances.
- Legal ramifications if obtained through illicit channels.
3. Recognizing the Signs of Fentanyl Abuse
If you or someone you know is using fentanyl, be aware of the signs of abuse:
- Intense cravings for the drug.
- Using larger doses than prescribed.
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.
FAQs
Is fentanyl legal to buy?
Yes, fentanyl is legal to buy with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
Follow your doctor’s instructions, keep your medication secure, and never share it with others.
What are the dangers of buying fentanyl illegally?
Purchasing fentanyl illegally can lead to severe legal consequences and health risks, including overdose and death.
- If you or a loved one are prescribed opioid painkillers, or are taking opioids, you should have Narcan on hand.
- After a connection is made, the seller and buyer will transition to more secretive apps where messages either delete after sending or come encrypted to discuss the terms of the transaction.
- Watch a video on How to use fentanyl test strips from Prevent Overdose-Rhode Island.
- Illicitly manufactured powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs.
- The report recommends that all international packages start to include what they call “advanced electronic data”—special information on bar codes that could help flag drug-bearing packages for postal workers.
- A major element of the strategy is the expansion of access to treatment — both in correctional facilities and in the community.
Where can I find reliable information about fentanyl?
Use reputable health websites, consult healthcare professionals, or reach out to substance abuse hotlines for help.
Conclusion
Understanding how to acquire fentanyl safely and legally is crucial. Always prioritize your health and legal standing by consulting with qualified professionals.
Be aware of the risks involved and consider alternatives when necessary.
