Content
Study staff recognized the potential risk of unintentional fentanyl use to the participant’s health and contacted the Principal Investigator. Upon discussion, we made the decision to inform the participant that they had screened positive for fentanyl. We then provided a supportive space for the participant to reflect on the discordance we found. Fentanyl test strips and nasal naloxone were routinely offered to all participants at the study site. Crime lab cases are the results of the Washington State Patrol’s Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau chemistry testing of samples submitted by law enforcement.
This is the side effect that makes an overdose of fentanyl so deadly; the opioids block the brain’s ability to remember to breathe and can quickly lead to death. Opioids are also well known to cause the gastrointestinal tract to slow down, and many patients on opioids report significant constipation. Health care professionals are urging people to carry naloxone (also known as Narcan) to help save lives.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Market
Fentanyl is an opioid medicine that has medical uses for pain control in both humans and animals. If misused, fentanyl can cause a person’s breathing to slow and stop; this is often called an “overdose.” If breathing stops, a person can die. However, it is unlikely you will overdose just from being around or helping someone who has smoked or used fentanyl.
People who are given naloxone should be monitored for another two hours after the last dose of naloxone is given to make sure breathing does not slow or stop. “It’s nice to not have to use your veins or not inject, and so a lot of people would prefer not to be doing that,” Kral said. “I think we’re going to see more and more people smoking fentanyl than injecting it.” What’s more, experts said, people are increasingly moving from injecting fentanyl to smoking it.
It’s important to note that because of the strength of fentanyl, multiple doses of NARCAN® may be necessary. As a pharmaceutical, it’s used safely every day for anesthesia in operating rooms throughout the country, and as a prescribed painkiller. Fentanyl can be made entirely in a laboratory, unlike opioid drugs like heroin, which are derived from poppy plants. Our greatest immediate need is to support high-risk populations across the county. This includes the unsheltered all over the county as well as zip-codes with disparities in social determinants of health.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, primarily used for pain management, especially in severe cases. Its potency, which is estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, raises significant concerns regarding its misuse and the illegal drug trade. A question that emerges frequently in public discourse is, “do people buy 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.
The Demand for Fentanyl in Various Contexts
People buy fentanyl for several reasons, including:
Schools and programs serving youth can be prepared for an opioid overdose by having naloxone available and providing training on how to administer it. Also, schools can update their memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with local first responders to ensure a plan is in place to immediately respond to an overdose. These fake pills are increasingly common, and fentanyl may be mixed into them.
Fentanyl is a very strong synthetic narcotic primarily used to ease the suffering of patients with chronic pain or terminal illnesses. Since the 1990s, the drug has been available in a patch or lozenge for easy and effective delivery of the time-released medicines. Fentanyl is so potent that residual chemicals in used patches have been suspected of contaminating water supplies when flushed down the toilet. Used patches have also been known to stick to children or animals, causing unintentional overdoses.
- Prescription Use: Health professionals prescribe fentanyl for patients experiencing chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or those with cancer.
- Recreational Use: Some individuals misuse fentanyl for its euphoric effects, which can lead to serious health risks, including addiction and overdose.
- Illegal Drug Operations: Fentanyl is often mixed with other illicit drugs, increasing its appeal to users who seek stronger effects.
Youth And Young Adult’s Health
The Illegal Market for Fentanyl
In recent years, the illegal drug market has seen a surge in the availability of fentanyl. This raises significant public health concerns, including:
- Accessibility: Fentanyl can be purchased easily on the dark web or through illicit dealers, making it accessible to those seeking it for non-medical purposes.
- Potency and Risk: Many users do not understand the potency of fentanyl, leading to accidental overdoses.
- Legal Consequences: The purchase and sale of fentanyl without a prescription can result in severe legal penalties.
Why Do People Buy Fentanyl Illegally?
The illegal buying of fentanyl is driven by several factors:
- Desperation for Relief: Those struggling with chronic pain or opioid use disorder may turn to fentanyl as a last resort.
- Perceived Low Cost: Some users may perceive fentanyl as a cheaper alternative compared to other drugs.
- Misunderstanding: A lack of awareness about the dangers associated with fentanyl contributes to its illicit popularity.
FAQs about Fentanyl Usage
Q1: Is fentanyl legal to buy?
A1: Fentanyl is legal when prescribed by a healthcare professional. However, purchasing it outside legal channels is illegal.
Q2: How do people purchase fentanyl illegally?
A2: Many users resort to the dark web, illegal street dealers, or other illicit means to obtain fentanyl.
Q3: Can fentanyl be addictive?
A3: Yes, fentanyl has a high potential for addiction, particularly when used outside of prescribed guidelines.
Q4: What are the dangers of using fentanyl?
A4: Risks include overdose, respiratory failure, and increased likelihood of developing substance use disorders.
- And a reminder that remarks of today’s briefing do not represent the views of the United States Government.
- As to Asia, the claim is that we have not seen the spread fentanyl in Asia.
- Because fentanyl is much more potent than heroin, there is also a hugely increased risk of overdose and death.
- Due to an increase in fentanyl overdose deaths, the Department of Health Services (DHS) asks Wisconsinites to take action to prevent overdose deaths.
The Impact of Fentanyl on Society
The rising trend of purchasing fentanyl illegally has far-reaching implications for public health and safety:
- Increased Overdose Rates: The prevalence of fentanyl on the streets has contributed significantly to the opioid overdose crisis.
- Strain on Healthcare Resources: Emergency services and healthcare facilities face overwhelming demands due to fentanyl-related incidents.
- Funding Organized Crime: The illegal fentanyl trade often finances criminal organizations and exacerbates violence within communities.
Conclusion
The question of do people buy fentanyl opens a complex dialogue around public health, legal implications, and societal welfare. Understanding the motivations behind fentanyl use, both legal and illegal, as well as its risks, is essential in addressing the broader opioid epidemic and formulating effective intervention strategies.
