Understanding Fentanyl and Its Online Availability
Fentanyl’s potency allows the cartels to deal in smaller shipments. This boosts the efficiency of its operations and results in enormous criminal proceeds. Earlier this year, the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations did a study of how easy it was to order fentanyl through the mail — essentially googling “buy fentanyl online” and then tracking the most responsive vendors. Researchers logged 500 online transactions with a street value of approximately $766 million. Those examples were on the standard web, there are additional portals to buy these products on the dark web, where traffic is much harder to track and trace. For many people, the best solution for opioid use disorder is medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
Related Support Groups
These groups may be able to provide test strips free of charge, or know where you can get them. DAY Programs offers services to students who are concerned about their substance use or are required to complete an assessment or engage in treatment by the University’s disciplinary system. Programs include screenings for substance use, trainings, identity workshops, and more. While websites like Flickr, Instagram, and Snapchat are not flagging the solicitation of drugs on their platforms, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Pinterest is making a concerted effort to flag such content. Learn about prevention, harm reduction and substance use at CU Boulder. While fentanyl can be lethal, there are things you can do to help protect yourself and your friends.
Explore the array of treatment avenues available to find the one that resonates most with your journey toward wellness. The importance lies in reaching out to experts specializing in detoxification programs designed specifically for safe recovery from severe addictions. The high concentration of active substance within fentanyl means that a relatively small amount can produce a powerful effect.
Further, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Pennsylvania Attorney General’s narcotics investigators seized more fentanyl in the first three months of 2022 than all of 2021. Analysts note that these are just a few examples of the historic amounts of fentanyl seized in the United States. There is a fatal overdose in Colorado every 4 hours, 45 minutes and 9 seconds. Stop the Clock connects community members with pharmacies and other sites that offer naloxone. Drug traffickers often mix fentanyl into other drugs because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, widely recognized for its role in pain management, particularly in cases of severe pain after surgery or for those suffering from chronic pain conditions. However, its misuse and potential for overdose have heightened awareness and concern surrounding its availability.
The second wave began in 2010, with rapid increases in overdose deaths involving heroin. The third wave began in 2013, with significant increases in overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, particularly those involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The market for illicitly manufactured fentanyl continues to change, and it can be found in combination with heroin, counterfeit pills and cocaine. Research demonstrates a strong link between exposure to traumatic events and problematic substance use. Many people who have experienced child abuse, assault, war, natural disasters, or other traumatic events turn to alcohol or drugs to help cope with emotional pain, sleep disturbances, intrusive memories, anxiety, or terror.
Naloxone’s effects are temporary, so it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately after it is administered. It is not possible to give so much naloxone so as to harm a person. Be sure they don’t aspirate (inhale) the vomit by putting them in the recovery position if they’re unconscious. If the person gets too much naloxone, try to explain to them that their withdrawal symptoms will begin to fade in a half hour or so.
Can I Buy Fentanyl Online?
The question, “can I buy fentanyl online?”, is one that arises frequently in discussions about opioid access and drug safety. Here’s an overview of key points regarding purchasing fentanyl online:
- Legitimate Medical Prescriptions: Fentanyl is a controlled substance, meaning that it can only be legally obtained through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Illicit Online Pharmacies: Some websites may offer fentanyl for sale without the need for a prescription. These platforms often operate illegally and pose significant risks.
- Risk of Overdose: Since fentanyl is extremely potent, obtaining it from unverified sources can lead to accidental overdose, especially if users are unaware of the proper dosage.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many countries, and individuals caught doing so can face severe penalties.
- The high concentration of active substance within fentanyl means that a relatively small amount can produce a powerful effect.
- Additional information regarding opioids and overdose prevention can be found further down on this page.
- In some states like Missouri, they are still considered paraphernalia.
- In some cases, people who use drugs (PWUD) unknowingly consume fentanyl or are unaware of the ratio of fentanyl to other substances in what they consume, which puts them at greater risk of overdose.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
Purchasing fentanyl online from unapproved sources carries several risks:
- Quality Control Issues: Illegally obtained fentanyl may be of unverified quality, increasing the chances of contamination or incorrect dosing.
- Fraud and Scams: Many online vendors can be fraudulent, taking money without providing any product, leading to financial loss.
- Legal Implications: Engaging in the illicit purchase of fentanyl can result in arrest and criminal charges.
- Health Risks: The potential for abuse or dependence on fentanyl greatly escalates when it is obtained outside a medical context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I have a legitimate need for fentanyl?
A: Consult with a licensed healthcare provider who can evaluate your condition and provide a legal prescription if appropriate.
Q: How can I identify a legitimate online pharmacy?
A: Look for pharmacies that require a prescription and are certified by relevant regulatory agencies, such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to stay awake
- Cold, clammy skin
- Slow or absent heartbeat
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
The question, “can I buy fentanyl online?”, should be approached with caution. Buying fentanyl from unauthorized sources is fraught with dangers, including health risks, legal consequences, and the potential for addiction. Always prioritize safety and legality by opting for professional medical guidance for pain management needs.
