There should be no barrier to parents obtaining information or treatment for children 13 and older. The county website has information for parents and everyone interested in learning about treatment options, medication safety and more. The County of Ventura Behavioral Health has a Strategic Plan in place, and a division dedicated solely to Prevention. Our Prevention efforts are numerous, including outreach teams that are present in the community at health fairs and events throughout the year, distributing information about resources and naloxone kits.
Understanding Fentanyl: A Cautionary Overview
A potentially lethal dose of fentanyl can be as little as two milligrams, equivalent in size to a few grains of salt. Unfortunately, there is no way to know if a substance is or contains fentanyl just by looking at it. This may seem harmless, but when an individual is searching to buy a drug, the platform will deliver more drug-related ads, pages, and hashtags to a user’s feed, further enabling the illicit activity. Even if a user is not actively participating on the platform by searching, liking, or sharing, algorithms use other indications of interest such as time spent hovering over a post. You can’t see, smell or taste fentanyl when it’s mixed with other drugs. If you use heroin, cocaine or crack—even rarely—you’re at risk of a fentanyl-involved overdose.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid frequently used in medical settings for pain management. However, it has gained notoriety due to its potential for abuse and illicit distribution.
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
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. As technology continues to advance, the illicit drug trade advances with it. Unlike in years past, the vast majority of wholesale drug transactions involving fentanyl are online. Utilizing “dark web” drug markets, drug dealers are able to purchase large quantities of fentanyl directly from international manufacturers and have it shipped directly to themselves. There are several different types of test strips and public health agencies instruct people who use drugs.
We host community events, such as the ‘Facing Down Fentanyl,’ event at VCOE. The curriculum includes opportunities for student storytelling, positive alternatives to drugs, tools for effective engagement, and the skills to a happy and successful life. The fentanyl crisis will continue to impact minors as social media platforms fail to flag content about fentanyl and other hardcore drugs. The failure to flag the imagery and contact information of drug dealers online will lead to more youth having exposure to the drug and potentially finding ways to purchase it. Additionally, with the fentanyl crisis impacting communities nationwide, we assess that there will be more significant initiatives to educate about the use of fentanyl.
This method of ingestion is effective in providing quick pain relief to patients. 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.
Purchasing fentanyl online poses significant dangers, including:
Overdoses are now the leading cause of preventable death among people ages 18 to 45, ahead of suicide, traffic accidents and gun violence, according to federal data. Bearing witness to others’ struggles similar to yours provides comfort during challenging times. Connecting with others in your community offers a way for you and others like you to share your experiences, fostering hope for those navigating life alongside addicts. Aiding someone battling drug addiction requires striking a balance between supportive gestures and enabling behavior.
The staggering increase in drug overdose deaths has been driven largely by the high prevalence of potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, in the U.S. drug supply. One tool to respond to this crisis is the use of drug checking equipment, such as fentanyl test strips. Fentanyl is sometimes added to drugs to increase a person’s high and can be disguised as heroin, cocaine, meth, marijuana, and counterfeit (fake) prescription pills.
- Legal Consequences: Buying controlled substances without a prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions.
- Health Risks: The purity and potency of online fentanyl can vary, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Scams: Many online sellers may not provide legitimate products, leading to financial loss.
Related Programs/Information/Resources
How to Buy Fentanyl Online Safely
While it is strongly advised against purchasing fentanyl without medical supervision, understanding the process can highlight the potential dangers involved. If you feel the need to proceed, consider the following steps:
- Consult a Medical Professional: Always seek advice from a doctor before considering any form of fentanyl.
- Verify Online Pharmacies: Ensure that any online pharmacy is licensed and requires a prescription. You can check databases provided by pharmacy boards.
- Read Reviews: Look for customer feedback about the online seller to gauge their reliability.
- Check Product Information: Legitimate pharmacies should provide clear details about their products, including dosage and potential side effects.
- Beware of Pricing: If the cost seems too good to be true, it likely is. Be cautious of unusually cheap offers.
- Secure Payment Options: Use a secure payment method to protect your financial information.
- VC Focus was formed In January 2023, when all Ventura County law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office joined together and created the Ventura County Fentanyl Overdose and Crimes Units (VC FOCUS).
- It is used in euthanasia programmes in the Netherlands and executions in US states such as Texas.
- Please contact your local public health authority (link) to learn more about services nearest to you.
- Currently, males that are assessed to need residential or withdrawal management levels of care, receive services at Tarzana Treatment Center in Los Angeles county.
- Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.
FAQs About Fentanyl and Online Purchases
Q: Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
A: It is not safe to buy fentanyl online without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Q: What are the possible side effects of fentanyl?
A: Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion, and in severe cases, respiratory depression.
Q: Can fentanyl be addictive?
A: Yes, fentanyl is highly addictive, and misuse can lead to dependence or overdose.
Q: How can I report suspicious online pharmacies?
A: You can report suspicious online pharmacies to your local authorities or the relevant professional regulatory body.
Conclusion
Purchasing fentanyl online involves numerous risks and should be approached with extreme caution. Engaging in such activities can have serious legal and health consequences. Always prioritize safety and legality in matters concerning medication and health management.
