And in 2023, American enforcement agencies seized enough fentanyl to kill every citizen of the United States. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay test strips designed to quickly and cheaply test urine for the presence of fentanyl. ​Xylaxine is a powerful non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine. Xylazine is not approved or safe for human use in any amounts. When fentanyl or other opioids are mixed with xylazine, the effects on breathing can be life-threatening. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid related to the phenylpiperidines that is commonly used for moderate to severe pain relief.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through prescription. However, there are many illegal ways to obtain fentanyl, which can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.
Fentanyl
Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous?
Fentanyl is a highly potent drug that can cause overdose and death even in small amounts. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency, but this can also increase the risk of overdose. Fentanyl can also be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, making it easy to overdose accidentally.
How is Fentanyl Obtained Illegally?
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES: DISCUSSION AND SUPPORT GROUPS
Fentanyl can be obtained illegally through various means, such as:
Where is all the fentanyl in the U.S. coming from?
Mexico and China are the primary sources for fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked directly into the U.S., according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, which is tasked with combating illicit drug trafficking.
While it is possible for weed to be laced with opioids, it would be an inefficient delivery system for the drug despite this persistent myth. Fentanyl contamination primarily occurs in powders and pressed pills. The biggest risk factor is that people are often exposed unintentionally and don’t know to take the proper precautions to use this drug safely. It must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects. While there are fentanyl patches that can be placed on the skin for pain management, this is not the formulation that’s cut into other substances.
Dose Of Reality: Get The Facts On Opioids
No drug has fueled the current spike in overdose deaths more than fentanyl. The synthetic opioid claimed two thirds of the record 64,000 such fatalities in the U.S. in 2016. Centre on Substance Abuse (BCCSU) has revealed that nearly all substances labeled as heroin sold in Vancouver contain the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. Fentanyl may not be the only potentially risky substance present in your drugs.
- Buying it from a drug dealer on the street
- Ordering it online from illegal websites
- Stealing it from a pharmacy or hospital
- Manufacturing it in a clandestine lab
What are the Risks of Buying Fentanyl Illegally?
What pain killer is the strongest?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine but up to 100 times more potent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is among the most abused pain relievers in the U.S. and the leading cause of overdose deaths. More than 80,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose in 2021.
Buying fentanyl illegally can be extremely dangerous for several reasons:
- You never know what you are really getting. The drug may be cut with other substances, such as heroin or fentanyl analogs, which can be even more potent and deadly.
- You are at risk of being arrested and prosecuted for drug possession or trafficking.
- You are supporting a criminal enterprise that profits from the suffering and death of others.
One of the major causes of opioid overdose on college campuses nationwide is the unintentional ingestion of opiates. In recent years popular recreational drugs like cocaine, Xanax and Adderall have become risks for opioid overdose, as lethal traces of the synthetic opioid fentanyl have been found in the US drug supply. Our Harm Reduction strategies are intended to address the risks of potential fentanyl contamination. A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is often carefully prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain in people living with cancer, recovering from surgery or who are terminally ill. However, most fentanyl-involved deaths are due to illicitly made fentanyl, and a small amount is enough to cause an overdose. California has set aside $4 million to distribute fentanyl testing strips as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1 billion overall plan to address the crisis.
- Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping.
- A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is often carefully prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain in people living with cancer, recovering from surgery or who are terminally ill.
- Getting the facts about fentanyl and sharing them widely is a good first step in addressing this community-wide crisis.
What are the Alternatives to Buying Fentanyl Illegally?
If you are in pain or suffering from addiction, there are safer and more effective ways to get help than buying fentanyl illegally. Here are some alternatives:
- Talk to your doctor about your pain or addiction. They can prescribe you a safer and legal opioid or refer you to a treatment center.
- Visit a methadone or buprenorphine clinic. These clinics can provide you with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help you manage your addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
- Join a support group. There are many support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery, that can provide you with guidance and support from people who have been in your shoes.
FAQs
What is fentanyl used for?
What is fentanyl? Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges and can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States.
Can I buy fentanyl online legally?
No. It is illegal to buy fentanyl online without a prescription. Even if you have a prescription, it is risky to buy drugs online because you never know if they are genuine or safe.
Is it safe to use fentanyl patches?
Fentanyl patches are a legal and safe way to administer fentanyl for pain relief, but only under the supervision of a doctor. Misuse of fentanyl patches can lead to overdose and death.
How can I tell if someone is using fentanyl?
Some signs of fentanyl use include drowsiness, confusion, respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, and constipation. If you suspect someone is using fentanyl, seek medical help immediately.
How can I help someone who is addicted to fentanyl?
You can help someone who is addicted to fentanyl by encouraging them to seek treatment, supporting them during their recovery, and avoiding enabling their addiction. You can also contact a treatment center or support group for guidance and resources.
Is Oxycontin still available?
Oxycodone is only available on prescription. It comes as slow-release tablets, standard tablets and capsules, and a liquid that you swallow.
