Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain. However, it is also a highly addictive and dangerous drug when misused or abused. Due to its potency, fentanyl has become a popular choice for illicit drug users looking for a strong high. But where do people buy fentanyl illegally? Here are some common sources:
Naloxone is an FDA- approved medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. This means it can block opioid receptors in the body and reverse an opioid overdose for minutes. It is a temporary treatment – so you should still call 911 if someone responds to the medicine.
Signs & Symptoms Of An Opioid Overdose:
There has been an increase of fentanyl found in stimulants, like cocaine, as well as pills purchased in street-based economies. It can be purchased from a pharmacy (even without a prescription) or may be distributed by different organizations within your community. CSU’s inclusive community designed to provide support for students on all paths and in all phases of recovery including substance use disorders, eating disorders, as well as process and other mental health disorders.
1. Dark Web Marketplaces
One of the most popular places to buy fentanyl is on the dark web, a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. On these underground marketplaces, users can purchase a variety of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
He wanted to use fentanyl test strips to ensure he was not exposed to an opioid and the attending risks of return to use of that class of drugs. People who use drugs and people who may witness an overdose should learn what an overdose looks like, carry naloxone, and know how to give naloxone to a person to reverse an opioid overdose. As xylazine becomes more common in Oregon’s drug supply, it is increasingly important to know how to identify and respond to overdoses. We’ve seen that with naloxone [used to treat overdose] and naloxone distribution.
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2. Street Dealers
Another common way to purchase fentanyl is through street dealers. These individuals may sell the drug in its pure form or laced with other substances like heroin or cocaine. Buying drugs on the street is extremely risky as there is no way to verify the purity or strength of the product.
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Are you a retail or online store, hospital, pharmacy or public health agency? “Overdose” simply means taking too much of a drug, and it is always accidental. Even daily opioid users who know that fentanyl is in their product have no way of knowing the amount. Counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets containing fentanyl kill thousands of people every year, and they can look exactly like the real ones. There is no way to know whether illicitly-purchased pharmaceuticals contain fentanyl without testing them first.
3. Fake Online Pharmacies
- Please note that all syringe exchange programs also provide overdose prevention and response training and naloxone distribution.
- These are a simple tool that can test a drug supply for Fentanyl and its analogs to prevent a drug overdose.
- Reading or hearing stories about the opioid crisis, overdoses and deaths can be scary.
- Personalized support for addressing your child’s substance use or addiction available in English and Spanish.
- For more information, or to request a presentation, send an email to
Sometimes, people looking to buy fentanyl illegally may come across fake online pharmacies that claim to sell prescription medications without a prescription. These websites often operate outside of regulations and may sell counterfeit or substandard drugs.
There’s no way to know if -or how much- fentanyl may be in them. Until recently, fentanyl was mostly only a problem on the East Coast. But related overdose deaths increased in Washington in the past two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it legal to buy fentanyl without a prescription?
- What are the dangers of buying fentanyl illegally?
- How can I get help if I have a fentanyl addiction?
No, it is illegal to purchase fentanyl without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Buying fentanyl illegally comes with many risks, including overdose, addiction, and exposure to dangerous contaminants.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a fentanyl addiction, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction treatment center.
In conclusion, buying fentanyl illegally is a dangerous and illegal practice that can have serious consequences. It is important to avoid purchasing drugs from unverified sources and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.