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Prevention Point Philadelphia
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Risks
IMF is sold through illicit drug markets in different forms, such as powder and liquid. It is commonly seen as a white powder and because it is cheap and potent, it is added to heroin or sold disguised as heroin. IMF can also come in liquid form, and might be sold as nasal sprays, eye drops or small candies. The New York Times’ writing supports our February 2022 brief about fentanyl and our ongoing research on this problem set. Fentanyl has been found in many different drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine and ketamine. It can also be found in pills from nonmedical sources, pressed into counterfeit pills to look like prescription painkillers or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® Klonopin®, and Valium®.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, often used medically for pain management, especially in patients with severe pain. However, its potency also makes it highly dangerous, and the misuse of fentanyl has led to a significant rise in overdoses and fatalities.
What some fail to recognize – especially young adults – is that is that most social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged by pushing content they believe the individual wants based on their activity on the platform. The algorithmic system that tracks users’ every move uses each click, search, like, and friend request to create a personalized feed for every user. Though algorithms were born out of platforms attempting to produce a list of recommended items to help users make decisions on content, it has arguably become much more complicated than just a short, tailored menu.
Compared to the U.S., China has loose regulation of chemical companies and fewer requirements for transparency. Department of Justice announced the first-ever indictments of Chinese nationals accused of shipping large quantities of fentanyl through the mail to international customers, China has been reluctant to take their own enforcement actions. The result of pressure on China by the U.S. and other countries to take more action against synthetic opioids by expanding their controlled substance bans has show some progress, but law enforcement is hoping for more action.
Is It Safe to Buy Fentanyl Online?
“When you’re relying on somebody who has no medical background, no regulation at all, then you’re just playing with your life.” Fentanyl, a variety of narcotics, ingredients to make drugs and just about anything else was all just a few Bitcoins away. He did it through what’s called the “Dark Web” and it took him all of ten minutes to show how to send pure fentanyl and just about any other drug to our front door.
Buying fentanyl online is fraught with risks, including the potential for obtaining counterfeit or contaminated drugs. Here’s what you need to consider:
Then the patients can purchase powder fentanyl capsules at one of PHS Community Services Society’s clinical sites. Individuals should call 911 immediately after administering naloxone. Be aware that it may take more than one dose of naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. Xylazine is being incorporated into the illicit drug supply and is now geographically spread throughout the United States.
Check with your local health district or community services board to determine if you can get naloxone at no cost. Access this directory of Washington State syringe exchange programs. Please note that all syringe exchange programs also provide overdose prevention and response training and naloxone distribution. Students at CSU can receive medication assistance during the recovery process from abuse of heroin, pain medication, or other forms of opioid use. People experiencing an opioid overdose will not respond if you try to talk to them, yell, or shake them. To do this, make a fist, and press your pointed knuckles into the sternum (the flat bone in the center of the chest), moving up and down with pressure.
- Legality: In many countries, purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal.
- Quality Control: Online suppliers may not adhere to regulations, leading to dangerous inconsistencies in the drug.
- Health Risks: Without a proper medical consultation, users may not fully understand the risks associated with fentanyl.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Online?
If someone is considering where to buy fentanyl online, it is crucial to realize that it is illegal and unsafe to purchase it without a prescription. Nonetheless, for educational purposes, here are some methods that people might consider:
- Online Pharmacies: Some licensed pharmacies may offer legitimate prescriptions. Ensure they are verified and accredited.
- Dark Web Markets: While there are illegal channels where some claim to sell fentanyl, this poses significant risks including legal consequences and exposure to dangerous substances.
- Forums and Social Media: Some individuals may attempt to connect with suppliers through forums, which can lead to scams and unsafe products.
Legal and Health Implications
- A common medical application for fentanyl is topical patches intended to allow fentanyl to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin.
- This is a public version of a sensitive report GAO issued in April 2021.
- This timing coincided with the first detection of illicit pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700.
- 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.
Engaging in the purchase of fentanyl online without a prescription carries several implications:
- Legal Consequences: Being caught buying controlled substances can result in criminal charges.
- Health Risks: The potential for overdose is significantly higher when drugs are obtained outside of a controlled medical environment.
- Stigmatization: Purchasing drugs illicitly can lead to social and personal stigma.
FAQs About Fentanyl
Q: What is fentanyl used for?
A: Fentanyl is primarily used for treating severe pain, especially in patients with chronic pain or those recovering from surgery.
Q: Can I get fentanyl prescribed legally?
A: Yes, fentanyl can be prescribed legally by a healthcare provider if deemed necessary for treatment.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A: Symptoms include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Q: What should I do in case of a fentanyl overdose?
A: Seek immediate medical help and, if available, administer naloxone to counteract the opioid’s effects.
Conclusion
While the idea of buying fentanyl online may seem appealing to some, the associated risks far outweigh any perceived benefits. Always prioritize legal and safe avenues for obtaining medications through healthcare professionals.
