US Drug Overdose Deaths, 1980 To 2022
Understanding the Demand: Do People Buy Fentanyl?
This timing coincided with the first detection of illicit pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700. Fentanyl is a powerful, synthetic opioid 50 to 100x more potent than morphine. It is primarily used to treat patients with severe pain, and can be used along with other medications as an anesthetic. Unfortunately, it is also used recreationally, often hidden in other drugs to increase potency.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has gained significant attention due to its potency and association with the ongoing opioid crisis. As a highly addictive substance, it is crucial to explore the reasons behind its demand and the alarming trends in its usage.
We want multiple touchpoints and multiple avenues for people to be able to empower themselves and stay safe. There’s a lot of urban legend out there about the intentional contamination of drugs, but that doesn’t really make any sense. I think the reason that myth perpetuates is that there’s a lot of stigma and stereotype when we think about the people who are selling or using drugs. Overdose Reversal Cards This document is formatted to print 3 cards per page front and back that explain how to recognize an overdose and use naloxone to save a life. Cronin’s investigators went online and discovered overseas labs offering most any illegal drug.
Identification of fentanyl analogues in the early years of illicit fentanyl distribution may have been incomplete due to lack of familiarity with specific chemicals as well as changes in laboratory testing and reporting procedures. She specifically wants to study how those on medication-assisted therapy respond to safe and controlled doses of fentanyl, similar to work her lab has done in the past. Earley pitched the idea of collecting urine samples from people currently in treatment, recording who is and isn’t consistently positive for fentanyl and tracking their outcomes. This option would be tricky because fentanyl rapidly passes through the body and the screening is expensive.
The Nature of Fentanyl
If medically prescribed, parents are advised to be careful when administering fentanyl to their children, and they are equipped with training to spot signs and symptoms of opioid overdose. They are also provided an antidote prescription to counter the effects of an opioid overdose if needed. 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.
From May 2020 to April 2021, more than 100,000 Americans died from a drug overdose, with over 64 percent of these deaths due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl and its analogs. The first known xylazine-involved overdose death in Minnesota was in 2019. Since then, the number of xylazine-involved deaths has increased year over year. In 2019, there were four overdose deaths involving xylazine, in 2020 there were eight deaths, and in 2021 there were 24 deaths. So far, in 2022, there have been 34 xylazine-involved deaths in Minnesota. This number may increase as more death reports from 2022 are finalized.
Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it an effective pain management solution in controlled medical settings. However, its high potency also raises concerns regarding misuse and addiction.
That’s according to police and local advocates working with people who use drugs. They say fentanyl is selling for anywhere from 50 cents to $5 a pill, depending on location and dealer-user relationships. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help available. Look for information at Indiana Addiction Treatment or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, please reach out for help. Speak with a healthcare provider or visit the links below for support and treatment resources.
Scientific American maintains a strict policy of editorial independence in reporting developments in science to our readers. Law enforcement shut down an earlier fentanyl outbreak in the mid-2000s, when production was concentrated in a single lab in Toluca, Mexico. Now fentanyl production is distributed, with no single critical lab. Data are not available because data collection is still in progress for this study. This same participant said he had tried fentanyl intentionally one time and strongly disliked the experience. In his words, “It was like being dead.” He reported being “out of it” for hours and he said he was grateful that he had been with friends he trusted to protect him.
Here’s what you need to know about why some individuals seek to buy fentanyl:
- Chronic Pain Management: Individuals suffering from debilitating pain conditions may seek out fentanyl as a last resort when other pain management options fail.
- Recreational Use: Some people may turn to fentanyl for its euphoric effects, particularly when it is illicitly manufactured and sold.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Fentanyl is often cheaper than other opioids on the black market, making it an accessible option for those seeking drugs.
- Availability: The proliferation of fentanyl in illegal drug markets increases the chances of encountering it, contributing to its demand.
How People Acquire Fentanyl
Fentanyl is typically accessed in various forms, each posing its unique risks:
- Pills: Illicitly manufactured fentanyl pills are commonly sold on the black market, often disguised as legitimate prescription medication.
- Powder: Fentanyl powder can be mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, making it difficult for users to gauge their dosage.
- Transdermal Patches: Some individuals may misuse prescription patches designed for medical use, leading to overdose risks.
Risks and Consequences of Fentanyl Use
While exploring the question, do people buy fentanyl? it is essential to acknowledge the inherent risks associated with its use.
- Overdose Risk: Due to its high potency, fentanyl has a significant overdose potential. Even a small amount can lead to life-threatening situations.
- Addiction: Regular use can quickly lead to dependence and addiction, requiring intensive treatment to overcome.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing fentanyl illegally carries severe legal penalties, contributing to a broader social issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
Fentanyl’s extreme potency makes it easy to overdose, particularly when users are unaware of its presence in illicit drugs.
2. What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
- “The overwhelming majority of people in this study—regardless of intentionality of recent fentanyl use—reported heroin as their main drug, indicating a strong preference for heroin over fentanyl.
- Since then, law enforcement seizures of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have grown dramatically in Oregon.
- Fentanyl mixed with Xylazine is an emerging threat in the United States.
- Fentanyl test strips and nasal naloxone were routinely offered to all participants at the study site.
- Fentanyl, like other opioids such as prescription pain relievers and illicit opioids such as heroin, both relieves pain and can cause a person to experience a “high” or euphoria.
- The demands that we seal the borders against fentanyl are completely understandable.
Signs include slowed breathing, confusion, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
3. Can fentanyl be used safely?
When prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals, fentanyl can be used safely. However, misuse and illegal purchases pose significant dangers.
4. What alternatives are available for pain management?
Patients can explore other medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, or holistic treatments under medical supervision.
In summary, the query, do people buy fentanyl? highlights a complex interplay of factors driving demand for this potent opioid. Understanding its accessibility, risks, and the broader implications of its use can contribute to more informed conversations about the opioid crisis and drug policy reform.
