Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is commonly used to treat severe pain. However, it has also gained notoriety for its illicit use as a recreational drug. The question that many people ask is: do people actually buy fentanyl?
What is Fentanyl?
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Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is typically prescribed to patients who are experiencing severe pain, such as those undergoing surgery or cancer treatment. Fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions.
- When monitored and used as directed by your physician, it can effectively relieve severe pain.
- The drug and fentanyl epidemic is moving to the social media sphere, and many parents do not know their kids are part of it.
- You lay it flat, and — like a pregnancy test or like a COVID test — after two to five minutes, it will show results.
- Fentanyl test strips can reduce the risk of a fentanyl overdose.
- They are being marketed, these pills, as though they are some other type of drug, but they are in fact laced with fentanyl.
Why Do People Buy Fentanyl?
Fentanyl: A Siren Song
While fentanyl can be a beneficial medication when used as prescribed, it is also highly addictive and can be deadly when misused. Despite these risks, some individuals still choose to buy fentanyl for a variety of reasons:
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. Fentanyl is most often prescribed as a slow-release patch to people with long-term, severe pain. He’d been in and out of rehab more than half a dozen times when fentanyl inundated Ohio.
About Fentanyl
- Recreational Use: Some people buy fentanyl to experience a powerful high or euphoria.
- Addiction: Individuals who have developed a tolerance to other opioids may turn to fentanyl for its increased potency.
- Availability: Fentanyl is often cheaper and more readily available than other drugs on the black market.
Fentanyl abuse statistics indicate it is the world’s deadliest opioid, causing almost half of all overdose deaths nationwide. People who intentionally used fentanyl were also more likely to be younger, white, use drugs more often, and test positive for stimulants, among other characteristics. Research shows that people who take drugs may use fentanyl unintentionally, thinking that they are instead using heroin or another drug.
Recent research shows that fentanyl use in public places such as buses and trains does not produce enough contamination in the air to cause an overdose in passengers. However, if you see drug paraphernalia such as pipes, liquid, or powder, leave the area immediately and contact law enforcement or the facility manager. If this trend holds true, it would mirror what scientists have found in animal models of drug addiction, Comer said.
So in places like Tijuana or Ciudad Juárez, fentanyl is deeply spreading and spread already across local drug markets. And certainly what we see with drug groups historically and (inaudible) today is that they often pay their local dealers, they often pay their allies, their partners in kind. They find it much more convenient to pay in drugs rather than to pay in cash. This has set off a major methamphetamine epidemic in Mexico and this is likely why we are seeing fentanyl spreading significantly in northern Mexico. It is not possible to determine whether fentanyl is present in illicit drugs by smell or taste. Also, the exact amount of fentanyl contained in any supply is often unknown.
Is Buying Fentanyl Legal?
In most cases, buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can result in serious consequences. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified fentanyl as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it is highly regulated due to its potential for abuse and addiction.
FAQs
Having naloxone, or Narcan, handy is a good idea if a parent has concerns about their child abusing opioids, says Dr. Peterson. Without this suspicion, it’s probably not necessary but could still be a good idea to keep a couple of doses around. If you think your child has overdosed on fentanyl, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
Is Tramadol stronger than oxycodone?
Is Tramadol or Oxycodone More Effective? Both tramadol and oxycodone are effective drugs for treating pain. However, because oxycodone is so much more potent than tramadol, it is more effective for more severe pain. Tramadol is generally used for less severe pain than oxycodone for this reason.
Can I buy fentanyl online?
No, purchasing fentanyl online without a valid prescription is illegal and unsafe. You should only obtain fentanyl from a licensed healthcare provider.
What are the dangers of buying fentanyl on the street?
Buying fentanyl on the street is extremely risky as the drug may be laced with other substances or improperly dosed, leading to overdose and death. It is best to avoid purchasing fentanyl from unreliable sources.
In conclusion, while some individuals may choose to buy fentanyl for various reasons, it is important to understand the risks and legal implications associated with its misuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction treatment center.
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.
