Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller that is often prescribed to patients with severe pain. It comes in various forms, including patches that are applied to the skin to deliver a steady dose of the drug over a period of time. However, the illegal use of fentanyl has become a major public health concern, as it is often mixed with other drugs, leading to a spike in overdose deaths.
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The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl Patches Online
With the rise of online marketplaces, it may be tempting to buy fentanyl patches online. However, this is a dangerous and illegal practice. Here are some reasons why:
It Is Shockingly Easy To Order Fentanyl And Synthetic Opioids Online
- Lack of regulation: Online marketplaces are not regulated, meaning that there is no guarantee that the patches you receive are genuine or safe. They may contain too much or too little fentanyl, or they may be contaminated with other substances.
- Risk of addiction: Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug, and buying patches online increases the risk of developing a dependence.
- Illegal activity: Buying and selling fentanyl patches online is illegal, and you could face criminal charges if you are caught.
Our staff can deliver care on the spot to those who use the Tacoma Needle Exchange van in our parking lot. National Harm Reduction Coalition creates spaces for dialogue and action that help heal the harms caused by racialized drug policies. For more information on how to use Fentanyl safely, check out these Fentanyl Use & Overdose Prevention Tips. The .gov means it’s official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil.
- Guided by medical professionals and an array of therapeutic modalities, inpatient programs equip you with the necessary tools to break free from the grip of addiction.
- Other research from Brown University showed that half of test strip users found fentanyl in their drug supply.
- Help the people in your life understand the risks of opioid use by getting the facts for yourself.
- Please see the prescribing information for the specific opioidantagonist for details of their proper use.
“As they’re progressing to fentanyl, they’re gonna have to use it more often in order to manage that withdrawal.” The drug also causes a shorter-lived high than other opioids, meaning users must take the drug more frequently to avoid withdrawal. In its original state of production, fentanyl is a fine white powder. This powder is used in this state for illicit purposes only either by snorting, smoking, or dissolved in water to be injected. For medical purposes, it is further manufactured into its other usable forms.
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Where to Get Fentanyl Patches Legally
A person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted, but dependence can sometimes lead to addiction. Some drug dealers are mixing fentanyl with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. This is because it takes very little to produce a high with fentanyl, making it a cheaper option. This is especially risky when people taking drugs don’t realize they might contain fentanyl as a cheap but dangerous additive. They might be taking stronger opioids than their bodies are used to and can be more likely to overdose.
If you have a prescription for fentanyl patches, you should obtain them from a licensed pharmacy. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment, and the pharmacist will ensure that the patches are genuine and safe. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and to store the patches in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets.
Alternatives to Fentanyl Patches
Look for information on your state or local health department’s website or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area. Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl unless you test your drugs with fentanyl test strips. Tell your care team if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medication for pain relief.
If you are experiencing pain, there may be other options available to you. Here are some alternatives to fentanyl patches:
- Over-the-counter painkillers: Non-prescription painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be effective for mild to moderate pain.
- Prescription painkillers: Other opioid painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone may be prescribed for severe pain.
- Non-opioid painkillers: Non-opioid painkillers such as gabapentin and pregabalin may be effective for certain types of pain, such as nerve pain.
- Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be effective for managing pain.
The interviews were conducted via Zoom, and this might have limited our access to individuals who have less confidence in using online resources. On the other hand, our experiences suggest that videoconferencing platforms provide a novel and efficient format to engage PWUO in research. With a few exceptions, most of our participants had current or prior histories of heroin use. Out of 22 participants, 64% were male, and 45% were ethnic minorities. Participants noted significant recent increases in the availability of counterfeit NPF pills (“blues,” “dirty oxys”) that were most commonly used by smoking. The majority indicated first trying NPF pills in the past year, and the first use often occurred in situations of reduced access to heroin or pharmaceutical opioids.
It is important to talk to your doctor about your options and to develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective for you. Buying fentanyl patches online is not a safe or legal option, and it is important to seek help if you are struggling with addiction or dependence.
