America’s Opioid Epidemic
At the height of addiction, some users are unable to discern risk and are willing to go to any length to obtain the drug, including boiling fentanyl patches to extract the drug for injection or ingestion. And if a user is new to taking opioids, the risk of overdose is even higher because their bodies have no tolerance to the drug. In 2016, nearly 30 years later, more than 20,000 Americans were killed by fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, and that number continues to rise. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. According to Drug Enforcement Administration estimates, one kilogram of fentanyl can produce 1 million to 1.5 million pill dosage units.
For deaths, again, we are using the broader other synthetic opioids category. Click on the button to view the number of cases, rates (per 100,000 state residents), and percentage of all opioid cases. Fast forward 15 years, and fentanyl and its derivatives have become the primary driver of overdose deaths in the U.S.
- Most other drugs are dosed in milligrams (“mg”) — for example, 500 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or 25 mg of diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- The drugs could be purchased and delivered through standard mail to the United States from places as far away as China.
- County Department of Health, accidental fentanyl deaths increased 1,652% between 2016 and 2022.
Much like on conventional markets, factors that can impact fentanyl’s street value include supply, demand, and quality (2). As manufacturers and dealers develop the reputation of being a dependable supplier with high quality products, they are able to increase their prices. Another factor determining availability and price is ease of access. With different parts of the world having a wide variety of trade and postal service regulations, fentanyl prices will increase and decrease based on each of these and the ability for suppliers to navigate them. If you or someone you know is experiencing the addictive effects of fentanyl or any other opioid, we are here to help. Guardian Recovery understands the importance of providing quality substance use treatment and is committed to this standard for each of our clients.
Understanding Fentanyl
To understand the pervasiveness of fentanyl use in New York City, McKnight and her colleagues conducted surveys and in-depth interviews in 2021 and 2022 with people who inject drugs. In the 313 surveys and 162 interviews, participants were asked about their drug use, including whether they used fentanyl intentionally in the last month, and their experience with overdoses. All survey participants underwent drug testing for fentanyl, heroin, other opioids, and stimulants so that researchers could compare toxicology results with self-reported drug use.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, significantly more potent than morphine. It is primarily used in medical settings to treat severe pain, especially in cancer patients or during surgical procedures.
It’s hard to know if they were intentionally using multiple substances simultaneously or if it was an unintentional exposure. The U.S. has sealed off the overseas bank accounts of Guanghua Zheng and his son. The feds also shut down what prosecutors say were the Zheng’s 40 websites selling illegal drugs in 20 languages. We don’t know if their lab shut down, but the network has been, at least for now. So, part of the conversation we are having today is how can we increase access and affordability to a lifesaving treatment, understanding that it is one of the most clear ways to prevent death. In Seattle, the price of the dangerous opioid is as low as 40 cents a pill in wholesale bulk purchases, said Detective Judinna J. Gulpan, a spokesperson for the Seattle Police Department.
However, the illicit use of fentanyl has surged over the past few years, leading to concerns about addiction and overdose.
This is particularly dangerous as a person who uses stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine may be opioid naïve and at higher risk for overdose if they are exposed to fentanyl. Fentanyl is also often found in counterfeit pressed pills made to look like oxycodone (M30s), Xanax, and other prescription pills. These counterfeit pills may contain a lethal amount of fentanyl and can be nearly impossible to distinguish from legitimate prescription pills that were prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
Do People Buy Fentanyl?
From shipping docks and airports to border crossings and mailrooms, smugglers go to great lengths to hide their drugs in the flow of legal commerce. Prescription fentanyl is dosed in micrograms, designated by the abbreviation “mcg”. Most other drugs are dosed in milligrams (“mg”) — for example, 500 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or 25 mg of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). One 2 milligram (mg) dose of fentanyl is enough to kill an adult, but may be more or less depending upon your body size, opioid tolerance, and former usage. Fentanyl can kill you within a matter of 2 minutes, usually due to respiratory failure (breathing that has stopped). Lawmakers in Texas have recently tried to tackle the state’s overdose problem by aggressively attacking fentanyl distribution and use by means of enforcement and awareness.
The question of do people buy fentanyl can be complex. The answer depends on various factors including the legal status, availability, and the societal issues surrounding opioid addiction.
Reasons People Purchase Fentanyl
- Chronic Pain Management: Some individuals with chronic pain may seek fentanyl for self-medication.
- Recreational Use: There are those who misuse fentanyl for its euphoric effects, leading to dangerous consumption patterns.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Illegally purchased fentanyl can be cheaper than prescription painkillers.
- Accessibility: Fentanyl can be easier to obtain than other opioids, particularly on the black market.
Statistics and Trends
Recent data highlights the alarming trend of fentanyl use:
- Over 70% of opioid-related overdose deaths involve synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl.
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Consequences of Fentanyl Misuse
The misuse of fentanyl can lead to serious health risks, including:
- Overdose: Even a small amount can cause respiratory depression or death.
- Dependency: Users may quickly develop a tolerance and dependency, leading to addiction.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Stopping fentanyl can result in severe withdrawal symptoms, making recovery challenging.
FAQs
Q: Is fentanyl available legally?
A: Yes, fentanyl can be legally prescribed by healthcare professionals for pain management. However, illegal forms are often sold on the black market.
Q: How can one recognize fentanyl misuse?
A: Signs of fentanyl misuse include withdrawal from social activities, increased secrecy, and sudden changes in mood or behavior.
Q: What should be done in case of a fentanyl overdose?
A: An overdose requires immediate medical attention. Administering naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in some cases.
Conclusion
Understanding the reasons behind do people buy fentanyl is essential in addressing the broader issue of opioid abuse. Awareness, education, and appropriate medical care are vital in combating the misuse of this potent substance.
