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Understanding the Risks: Can You Buy Fentanyl Online?
If there is a new variation or analog, the test strip likely won’t catch it until manufacturers add it to their products. Learn tips for how you can help protect your child from accidental overdose. Drug supply chains are changing in other ways as traffickers engage in a cat-and-mouse game to evade law enforcement. Potential clients could inspect grainy snapshots of nondescript powders and pills on Facebook. Occasionally, Chen replied directly to loyal customers, even paying for a Lyft ride to the hospital as compensation when one customer complained he had overdosed on Chen’s product. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger than fentanyl, some weaker) are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will respond to naloxone if someone is overdosing.
The algorithmic system that tracks users’ every move uses each click, search, like, and friend request to create a personalized feed for every user. Though algorithms were born out of platforms attempting to produce a list of recommended items to help users make decisions on content, it has arguably become much more complicated than just a short, tailored menu. For every click or search a user makes on their own, the algorithm spits back out recommended content based on assumptions of what other content is likely to entice the user to stay engaged. In this way, these algorithms are not designed to satisfy the user’s search; they are designed to keep users searching for more.
They killed more than 19,000 Americans in 2016, topping heroin (15,000) and prescription opioids (14,000) for the first time. Naloxone should be given in response to any suspected drug overdose. Naloxone will not reverse the effects of xylazine, but it does help reverse the effects of opioids such as fentanyl. Naloxone should still be given because xylazine is often used with fentanyl. Naloxone will not cause harm if opioids are not involved in an overdose.
Purchasing drugs online has become increasingly common in recent years, raising serious questions about safety, legality, and ethical concerns. One specific drug that has garnered significant attention is fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.
But accidental overdoses from legal prescriptions pale in comparison to deaths attributed to illegally imported versions of the drug and its analogs starting in the late 1990s. The effectiveness of the drug, combined with user-friendly delivery methods, drew the attention of bad actors seeking to profit from its potency. Fentanyl is a very strong synthetic narcotic primarily used to ease the suffering of patients with chronic pain or terminal illnesses. Since the 1990s, the drug has been available in a patch or lozenge for easy and effective delivery of the time-released medicines. Fentanyl is so potent that residual chemicals in used patches have been suspected of contaminating water supplies when flushed down the toilet. Used patches have also been known to stick to children or animals, causing unintentional overdoses.
- This means that fentanyl and/or xylazine may still be present in a drug product, even when a portion of the product tested with drug checking strips does not react.
- Any drug in any form (powder, pill) you get from a dealer, friend or an online source could have fentanyl in it.
- Drug precursors or chemicals that can mask some narcotics’ Raman signals return a yellow or orange screen.
These labs are not being run by individuals with an interest in quality control and scientific measures. The drug also causes a shorter-lived high than other opioids, meaning users must take the drug more frequently to avoid withdrawal. Mary Ward, president of the McLeod Addiction Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, has noticed the shift toward a preference for fentanyl in her home state.
What is Fentanyl?
But unlike heroin, which requires the poppy plant, fentanyl is a synthetic drug that’s easy to make with the right precursor ingredients. Prescription fentanyl has been around for years, intended for chronic severe pain, trauma and cancer patients. Brand names include Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze where the drug is administered through a patch, injection or lollipop. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Contact the syringe services program or Dept. of Health and Human Services in your state. These groups may be able to provide test strips free of charge, or know where you can get them.
A tiny amount – as little as two grains of salt – is enough to kill someone. With information from the test, a person can take steps to reduce their risk of an overdose. In Wisconsin, fentanyl is present in many drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, as well as pills made to resemble prescription medications. Because fentanyl is unable to be detected by sight, taste, smell, or touch, people taking drugs not purchased from a licensed pharmacy should always use fentanyl test strips. Fentanyl test strips do not provide information about the amount or strength of fentanyl in a drug supply. This month marks one year since Charlie Ternan, a 22-year-old, soon-to-be college graduate, was found unresponsive in his room after taking what he thought to be Percocet® to alleviate his back pain.
And even in states where it’s not strictly legal, people are rarely punished for using test strips. Fentanyl, a deadly opioid, is being added to drugs like heroin, cocaine, and pills. Fentanyl test strips can tell you whether there is fentanyl in drugs. Twenty-thousand Ohio residents died from drug overdoses from 2020 through 2023. Harm Reduction Ohio provides the overdose-reversing drug naloxone to any Ohio residents at no charge.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or those recovering from surgery. However, its high potency also makes it a prime candidate for misuse and addiction.
The Appeal of Buying Fentanyl Online
The accessibility of the internet has led some individuals to search for fentanyl online. The reasons for this appeal may include:
- Convenience of purchasing from home.
- Perceived lower costs compared to pharmacies.
- Desire for privacy regarding usage.
The Dangers of Online Purchases
While it may seem tempting to look for fentanyl online, the risks far outweigh the benefits. These include:
- **Legality**: Buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions.
- **Quality Control**: Illegally purchased drugs may be counterfeit, contaminated, or incorrectly dosed.
- **Health Risks**: Taking fentanyl without medical supervision can lead to overdose and death.
- **Legal Consequences**: Engaging in illegal transactions can result in severe legal repercussions.
FAQs about Buying Fentanyl Online
Can you legally buy fentanyl online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online without a valid prescription is illegal in most countries.
What are the risks of buying fentanyl online?
The primary risks include legal issues, health dangers from unregulated products, and potential for overdose.
Are there legitimate ways to obtain fentanyl online?
Legitimate ways to obtain fentanyl involve a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and using licensed pharmacies.
Conclusion
In summary, the question can you buy fentanyl online carries significant risks that overshadow any potential benefits. The dangers of illegal transactions, health hazards, and legal repercussions make it imperative to seek safe and legal alternatives for managing pain. Always consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate treatments and medications.
