Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often used in medical settings for pain management, but it has also become a popular drug of abuse due to its potency and availability. With the rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths, many people are wondering, “can I buy fentanyl?”
Ideally, it’s best to use them every time you use, but it may not be realistic for everyone. Naloxone is an FDA- approved medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. This means it can block opioid receptors in the body and reverse an opioid overdose for minutes. It is a temporary treatment – so you should still call 911 if someone responds to the medicine. One participant was concerned about legal implications from using fentanyl test strips.
Is it Legal to Buy Fentanyl?
No, it is not legal to buy fentanyl without a prescription. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is subject to strict regulations. Possession, distribution, or manufacture of fentanyl without a valid prescription is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Need Training Or More Information?
Can I Buy Fentanyl Online?
- To get extremely potent opioids, users turn to the dark web—and sometimes, Google.
- In order to use the strips, testers dissolve a small amount of substance in water, and then dip the test strip into the liquid for 15 seconds.
- Satisfy the new eight-hour MATE Act training requirement on treating patients with opioid or other substance use disorders with CME from AMA Ed Hub™.
- Because fentanyl is unable to be detected by sight, taste, smell, or touch, people taking drugs not purchased from a licensed pharmacy should always use fentanyl test strips.
- Having been a good student with a strong talent in science, Sim was able to measure and mix just the right amount of fentanyl to give his customers a high they had never experienced.
However, evidence has shown a high association between willingness to use a harm reduction program and subsequent uptake of the intervention among people who use drugs [38]. Beginning in May 2017, we recruited participants from the 2015 RAPIDS study, 61% of whom previously agreed to be contacted for future research studies. The eligibility criteria for RAPIDS included being aged 18 to 29, residing in Rhode Island, not currently being in alcohol or substance abuse treatment programs, and reporting past 30-day non-medical use of prescription opioids. From May to September 2017, we recruited additional young adults who use drugs in Rhode Island through internet advertisements (e.g., Craigslist and Reddit), digital bus advertisements, public canvassing, and word of mouth. We expanded the age and drug use eligibility criteria created based on our recent research of the fentanyl overdose epidemic in Rhode Island [19]. Fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine, in unregulated injectable drugs, powders and pills.
Young People And Fentanyl
No, it is not safe or legal to buy fentanyl online. Many websites that claim to sell fentanyl are scams or sell counterfeit drugs that may contain dangerous substances. Even if you receive a legitimate product, buying fentanyl online bypasses the safeguards and oversight of a licensed pharmacy and medical professional. This increases the risk of overdose, addiction, and other health complications.
What are the Risks of Buying Fentanyl?
Buying fentanyl illegally carries significant risks, including:
- Overdose: Fentanyl is incredibly potent and can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death even in small doses.
- Addiction: Fentanyl is highly addictive and can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Contamination: Illegally produced fentanyl may be contaminated with other substances, such as heroin, cocaine, or synthetic opioids, which can increase the risk of overdose and other health complications.
- Legal consequences: Possessing, distributing, or manufacturing fentanyl without a valid prescription is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The target of an investigation, a low-level drug dealer, had the answer. There are so many stereotypes that deeply impact the way our society thinks about drug use and people who use stigmatized drugs, in particular those from marginalized communities. These stereotypes portray people who use drugs as unreliable, dangerous, deceitful, and pleasure-seeking.
Ongoing virtual trainings on overdose prevention and the use of fentanyl test strips can be found at But fentanyl first made its way into the illicit drug supply about 10 years ago, particularly in areas east of the Mississippi River. The white powder looked just like heroin, but was much cheaper. Drug dealers started mixing the two drugs as a way to stretch their heroin supply.
FAQs
THE DRUG SUPPLY IS NOT RELIABLE WHAT YOU THINK YOU’RE GETTING ISN’T ALWAYS WHAT IT IS
Can I get a prescription for fentanyl?
Fentanyl is typically prescribed for patients with severe pain who have not responded to other opioid medications. Your healthcare provider will determine if fentanyl is appropriate for your condition and will provide you with a valid prescription.
The Works Program is a free, legal and anonymous harm reduction program that provides free supplies, disposal programs and referrals. Their goal is to reduce the rsiks of disease and overdose deaths across Boulder County communities. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event. Fentanyl is often mixed into other substances or marketed as substances other than fentanyl, such as prescription medications. This can be dangerous because individuals often consume fentanyl without knowing it or meaning to, which can result in accidental overdoses or death. No drug has fueled the current spike in overdose deaths more than fentanyl.
Is fentanyl more dangerous than heroin?
Yes, fentanyl is significantly more potent than heroin and other opioids, which increases the risk of overdose and other health complications. Fentanyl has been linked to a surge in overdose deaths in recent years, particularly in the United States.
How can I stay safe if I use fentanyl?
If you use fentanyl, it is essential to follow these safety guidelines:
- Use a small amount to start and gradually increase the dose as needed.
- Do not mix fentanyl with other substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, which can increase the risk of overdose.
- Use fentanyl with someone else present who can administer naloxone (Narcan) in case of an overdose.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms of an overdose, such as shallow breathing, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
In conclusion, buying fentanyl illegally is not only dangerous but also illegal. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider and obtain a valid prescription if you need fentanyl for pain management. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, seek professional help immediately.
