Medical Professional Licenses
Understanding the Market for Fentanyl
Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on an official government site. People who are given naloxone should be monitored for another two hours after the last dose of naloxone is given to make sure breathing does not slow or stop. “It’s nice to not have to use your veins or not inject, and so a lot of people would prefer not to be doing that,” Kral said. “I think we’re going to see more and more people smoking fentanyl than injecting it.” What’s more, experts said, people are increasingly moving from injecting fentanyl to smoking it. This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional.
- The first known xylazine-involved overdose death in Minnesota was in 2019.
- Scientific American maintains a strict policy of editorial independence in reporting developments in science to our readers.
- The Sheriff’s Office will use K9’s at schools if there isa specific incident where drugs are suspected, and an investigation has been initiated.
Fentanyl mixed (adulterated) with xylazine has been declared an emerging drug threat (link) by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. If you can’t be in the company of someone else who is sober, plan to have someone check in on you in case you need help. If you are with friends who are also using, have someone else check in on all of you.
This is very risky as it is extremely hard to judge a dose size. Identification of methamphetamine deaths is based on searching written information saved in the electronic death certificates for relevant words containing “meth” and/or “thamphet”, including innumerable misspellings of methamphetamine. This written information (“literals”) is available back to 2003. All other drug categories are based on coding of contributing causes of death to specific ICD T-codes. The data are complex and imperfect, including issues regarding drug identification and inconsistencies over time. We provide detailed descriptions of data sources and data issues at the bottom of this page.
The question “do people buy fentanyl” often arises in discussions surrounding the opioid crisis. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has gained notoriety for both its medical applications and its role in the ongoing drug epidemic.
As a powerful synthetic opioid, a fentanyl use disorder is typically treated with MOUD—Medication for Opioid Use Disorder. Several local providers offer services which include a treatment protocol using buprenorphine, along with counseling and other services which depend upon the level of care needed. In January 2021, DHS announced a new multiphase study to improve the detection of synthetic opioids. In collaboration with PNNL, the study will assess the performance of field-portable drug detection equipment from industry against fentanyl and fentanyl-related compounds, other drugs, and cutting agents.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, particularly for patients undergoing surgery or those with advanced cancer. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it effective for pain management when prescribed correctly.
The Black Market for Fentanyl
Ensure that everyone knows where to access it and how to use it in case of an emergency. Drug traffickers often mix fentanyl into other drugs because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way. King County worked with Rescue Agency to create Laced & Lethal, a campaign to educate youth about fentanyl, and how to respond to overdose. Fentanyl deaths are rising quickly for young people in WA State.
To buy his fentanyl, the man uses “darknet” sites, which are unlisted on search engines, rely on a special private browser for access, and don’t tie his username to his identity. He says most of the sites on the regular internet, which the Senate report focused on, are scams in which dealers will take money and fail to deliver. (The Senate investigators did not actually make any purchases.) Or, these so-called “clearnet” sites lead to arrests. According to the report, most of this fentanyl originates in China.
A 30-second PSA was created to start airing on airwaves and social platforms to have an even greater impact. Below you will find the commercial and the Fentanyl is Fatal campaign materials for distribution along with social media messages you can use on your networks to help spread the message. Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news. However, bold substance abuse measures like legalizing test strips were once again rejected by lawmakers. “Tar” heroin is usually sold in small balloons from which the user extracts the sticky substance from the balloon by mixing it with water over heat.
Despite its legitimate medical uses, fentanyl has a significant presence in illegal drug markets. This dual nature raises questions about do people buy fentanyl and for what reasons.
- Illicitly manufactured fentanyl: Often mixed with other drugs such as heroin or cocaine, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Accessibility: Fentanyl is relatively easy to produce and can be synthesized in clandestine labs, making it widely available on the black market.
- Cost: The low cost of fentanyl compared to prescription opioids can incentivize buyers.
Reasons Behind the Purchase of Fentanyl
The motives for buying fentanyl are varied:
- Chronic pain management: Some individuals may seek out fentanyl for severe pain relief when prescribed medications are insufficient.
- Recreational use: Others may purchase fentanyl for its potent effects, often without understanding the significant risks involved.
- Dependency: Individuals suffering from opioid addiction might turn to fentanyl as a substitute for more expensive or less potent drugs.
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl, especially from illegal sources, carries substantial risks:
- Overdose risk: Due to its high potency, the likelihood of overdose is significantly increased.
- Contamination: Illicit fentanyl can be manufactured with impurities, leading to unknown health consequences.
- Legal consequences: Buying or possessing fentanyl without a prescription can lead to serious legal repercussions.
FAQs about Fentanyl
Q: Do people buy fentanyl legitimately?
A: Yes, fentanyl is prescribed for legitimate medical reasons; however, its illegal purchase is a major concern for public health.
Q: How do people typically access illicit fentanyl?
A: Many individuals obtain fentanyl through drug dealers, online illicit markets, or through counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl.
Q: What should I do if I encounter fentanyl?
A: If you suspect exposure to fentanyl or come across it illegally, it is crucial to report it to law enforcement and seek immediate medical advice if needed.
Conclusion
In understanding “do people buy fentanyl“, it is essential to recognize the complexity surrounding this drug. While it does serve a purpose in medicine, its illegal trade poses grave risks to users and society as a whole.
