Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is prescribed for severe pain management. However, in recent years, it has also gained notoriety as a street drug due to its high potency and potential for abuse. But why do people buy fentanyl on the black market despite the risks involved?
The drug user in Texas said he first began using opioids when a doctor prescribed him hydrocodone for a bad cough he had as a teenager. He progressed to prescription painkillers, and then, when they became too expensive, to heroin. It is an opioid, like morphine, codeine, oxycodone (oxys) and methadone.
Is Fentanyl Addictive?
The Appeal of Fentanyl
Is the Sackler family still rich?
How much is the Sackler family still worth? Even after Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy, the family still has billions. In December 2020, taking into account the fines that the Sacklers have already paid out as settlements, Forbes estimates that the family (around 40 members) is worth about $10.8 billion.
And today, we are announcing an additional $50 million for substance use and treatment. ​Xylaxine is a powerful non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine. When fentanyl or other opioids are mixed with xylazine, the effects on breathing can be life-threatening.
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One reason people buy fentanyl is its strength. Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it a highly effective painkiller when used under medical supervision. However, this same potency can be dangerous when misused, leading to overdose and death.
A common medical application for fentanyl is topical patches intended to allow fentanyl to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. These patches are administered for pain relief after a surgical procedure or during the late stages of cancer. These patches are used for illicit purposes by dismantling them to extract the powder fentanyl available in each. The estimated street value for a fentanyl patch is between $75-$100. Due to its synthetic manufacturing process, fentanyl carries a relatively standard level of potency. What determines the purity of the final product are the other substances mixed in with the fentanyl.
Statewide Opioid Deaths By Subtypes
In addition, some dealers intentionally add deadly amounts to some pills because the death of a user is like an advertisement that that dealer has really strong drugs. A lethally potent drug is driving the rapid rise in overdose deaths, killing thousands of people who don’t even know they’ve taken it. It can be used to save the life of someone experiencing a fentanyl-related overdose. Like the rest of the country, Los Angeles County has experienced a dramatic upswing in overdoses from fentanyl, an opiate that is 100 times stronger than heroin.
Availability and Accessibility
Another factor contributing to the popularity of fentanyl on the streets is its availability. With the rise of online drug markets and illegal distribution networks, obtaining fentanyl has become easier than ever for those seeking a quick and powerful high.
One measure to prevent fentanyl overdose is distributing naloxone to bystanders. Naloxone can reverse an overdose as it occurs by blocking the effects of opioids. For example, carfentanil, a fentanyl analog formed by substituting one chemical group for another, is 100 times more potent than its parent structure.
Cost-Effectiveness
Additionally, fentanyl can be relatively cheap compared to other drugs like heroin or prescription opioids. This affordability makes it an attractive option for individuals looking to save money while still getting high.
Which is the fastest painkiller?
Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are both NSAID pain relievers that are fast and effective at providing pain relief, reducing inflammation, and fighting a fever. Ibuprofen works in as little as 20 minutes, whereas naproxen needs about an hour to take effect.
The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl
Despite its appeal, buying fentanyl on the black market comes with significant risks. Due to its potency, even a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal if ingested improperly. Furthermore, since fentanyl is often mixed with other substances or sold in counterfeit forms, users may unknowingly consume dangerous combinations that can have devastating consequences.
- They might be taking stronger opioids than their bodies are used to and can be more likely to overdose.
- Get the facts on fentanyl to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
- If you or someone you know uses fentanyl or drugs of the type that are commonly laced with fentanyl, education is your greatest defense against death.
- Fentanyl is so potent that residual chemicals in used patches have been suspected of contaminating water supplies when flushed down the toilet.
- Heroin users in my community in Massachusetts came to realize that fentanyl had entered the drug supply when overdose numbers exploded.
In conclusion, people buy fentanyl for a variety of reasons, including its potency, availability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the dangers associated with purchasing and using fentanyl far outweigh any potential benefits, making it crucial for individuals to seek help and support if they are struggling with substance abuse.
What is morphine made of?
Background. Morphine is a natural alkaloid that is derived from resin extracts from the seeds of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. Morphine has potent and profound analgesic effects and has been used in clinical medicine for almost two hundred years.
