We Tested Three Drug-checking Technologies
Understanding Fentanyl
Download fentanyl test result stickers that show the result of a fentanyl strip test. Learn how to use a fentanyl test strip with these shareable infographics, developed by PONI, available for download in English and in Español. Ashley Perry, Intervention Case Manager from Project Weber/RENEW, explains how to use a fentanyl test strip. It costs Jess Tilley $1 to purchase a fentanyl test strip—a small sum, until you consider that she’s buying them by the hundreds. Crush the substance that you wish to test finely on a clean surface. Empty the bag and put your drugs aside in another container or clean surface.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used medically for pain management. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it effective for severe pain relief, particularly in patients with cancer or those undergoing major surgeries.
FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — More and more young fentanyl users are turning to social media apps for their next Fentanyl high. Every Wednesday, the SUPHR staff partnered with South Philly Punks with Lunch at Broad and Snyder. They gave out homemade food, drinks, clothing, and additional harm reduction supplies. When you use alcohol, you know when you’re ordering a glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail. You know roughly what the alcohol by volume content is, and you can make choices around how much you’re going to consume and the impact it’ll have on your body. Fentanyl test strips used at the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia in Charleston.
Fentanyl burns and becomes inactive at high temperatures when in sustained direct contact with flame. While it is possible for weed to be laced with opioids, it would be an inefficient delivery system for the drug despite this persistent myth. Fentanyl contamination primarily occurs in powders and pressed pills. Introducing the new CheckPoint instant fentanyl urine dip drug test. Compared to laboratory testing, the CheckPoint instant fentanyl urine dip drug test is a cost-effective screening test, providing preliminary test results.
However, the increasing presence of fentanyl in illegal markets has raised significant concerns about misuse, addiction, and overdose.
In addition to naloxone (e.g., Narcan), fentanyl test strips are a proven way to help reduce overdoses and death as a result of fentanyl. According to the CDC, deaths from fentanyl poisoning are fastest growing among 14- to 23-year-olds. The presence of fentanyl both in counterfeit pills and in illicit street drugs poses a grave threat to the safety of teens and adults alike.
Even a small amount of fentanyl, especially for someone who’s not used to using opioids, could cause an overdose. Fentanyl test strips aren’t perfect, but most people find them easy to use. The best way to use them is to dissolve all the drugs you plan to use in water. Fentanyl might not be everywhere evenly in your product, so if you only test a portion of your supply you might end up missing it.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl?
“It’s scary to think that these products are available and so easily attainable to those not trained or educated in drug metabolism,” said Buck Martin of King’s Pharmacy and Compounding. “When you’re relying on somebody who has no medical background, no regulation at all, then you’re just playing with your life.” He did it through what’s called the “Dark Web” and it took him all of ten minutes to show how to send pure fentanyl and just about any other drug to our front door. At a routine traffic stop, BCSO patrol discovered 118 grams of pure fentanyl. New Hanover County’s drug unit is also seeing more of the drug mixed into dope bags.
The campaign start coincided with the release of the Mayor’s Executive Order decriminalizing fentanyl test strips in Philadelphia. It was supported by many community partners including Savage Sisters, The Everywhere Project, South Philly Punks with Lunch, and 24HRPHL. The campaign targeted areas that had seen an increase in overdoses as well as areas where people use drugs recreationally. Fentanyl overdoses and deaths have increased over the past few years. Most people don’t know it is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
When searching for where can I buy fentanyl, it is crucial to differentiate between legitimate medical sources and illegal black markets.
Legitimate Medical Sources
Fentanyl can be purchased legally through various channels, including:
- Hospitals and Clinics: Medical professionals can prescribe fentanyl for patients who need it.
- Pharmacies: Licensed pharmacies fill prescriptions for fentanyl patches, lozenges, or injectable forms.
- Medical Supply Companies: Some companies provide fentanyl products for healthcare facilities.
Illegal Markets
Despite its medical uses, fentanyl often enters the black market. Here’s how:
- Online Dark Web: Some websites claim to sell fentanyl illegally, but these platforms are dangerous and often fraudulent.
- Street Dealers: Illicit drugs laced with fentanyl can be found through various street-level dealers, posing serious risks of overdose
- Counterfeit Medications: Fake prescription pills may contain fentanyl, leading to unintended consumption.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl
Purchasing fentanyl outside legal channels presents substantial risks, including:
- In certain neighborhoods, there are people who do not think of Percocet or Oxycodone pills as an opiate.
- Fentanyl will not absorb through the skin from accidental exposure, and it is not strong enough to cause an overdose from airborne exposure.
- In 2020, over 80% of the fentanyl police confiscated with in tablet form.
- Health Risks: Unregulated and counterfeit products may contain unknown quantities of the drug, leading to overdose.
- Legal Consequences: Buying controlled substances illegally can result in severe legal penalties.
- Exposure to Addictive Behaviors: Misuse of fentanyl heightens the risk of addiction and dependence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
A: No, purchasing fentanyl online from unverified sources poses extreme health and legal risks.
Q: What should I do if I have a prescription for fentanyl?
A: Fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy and follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A: Symptoms of overdose include slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. If suspected, seek emergency help immediately.
Conclusion
When exploring where can I buy fentanyl, it is vital to prioritize safety and legality. Always consult healthcare professionals and ensure you are obtaining medications through legitimate sources.
