Colorado Laws Offer Protection In Cases Of Drug Overdose
These wounds have been reported from injecting, smoking, and snorting xylazine, and they can develop quickly. Xylazine wounds can take a long time to heal and require prolonged medical care. If you have questions about a fentanyl prescription that you received from a healthcare provider, talk to your pharmacist or primary care provider. If you need fentanyl test strips for personal use, you can find a list of community organizations that provide them at no cost below. You can also find test strips at some of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs on this list. Certified providers can order up to 1,200 fentanyl test strips and up to 600 xylazine test strips or set up a naloxone ordering account using the provider and individual request form.
There is a fatal overdose in Colorado every 4 hours, 45 minutes and 9 seconds. Stop the Clock connects community members with pharmacies and other sites that offer naloxone. The AMA promotes the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.
Understanding Fentanyl: A Powerful Opioid
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. It is primarily used in medical settings to treat severe pain, particularly for patients who are undergoing surgery or dealing with chronic pain conditions.
However, due to its potency, fentanyl is also associated with a high risk of overdose and has become a major contributor to the opioid crisis in many countries.
- The AMA continues to advance evidence-based recommendations to help end the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic.
- The presence of fentanyl in street drugs makes it more important than ever to recognize and treat a suspected overdose immediately.
- Don’t leave your drugs in the oven for too long after they’re dry.
- Participants were stratified into categories according to their preferred primary drugs (Table 3).
- We give one kit per person and cannot give out large quantities to individuals.
Can I Buy Fentanyl?
In Georgia, from 2019 to 2021, drug overdose deaths increased by 61%, and fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased by 230%. It started with the overprescribing of prescription pain relievers. When these drugs became harder to get for nonmedical use, heroin use increased. Today, illegally manufactured fentanyl and other opioids are being mixed with other drugs.
Also, schools can update their memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with local first responders to ensure a plan is in place to immediately respond to an overdose. The fentanyl test strips given away were packaged into kits including 10 strips, each with instructions on how to use them, a pocket-sized set of instructions with pictures, and information on fentanyl. The kits also included a NEXT Distro card, which is a mail-based program where people can receive free Narcan and fentanyl test strips. Research has shown that people who use fentanyl test strips often make changes that can keep them safer. In one study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 70% of participants said they would change their behavior if they knew the drugs they used contained fentanyl. That being said, those fighting substance use disorders who are willing to take the potentially fatal risks that come with consuming illicit pills can reduce their chances of overdosing by using FTS.
Finally, participant concerns about overdose and willingness to use fentanyl test strips provides critical data to overdose prevention programs during the fourth wave of the overdose crisis. North America is in the midst of an unprecedented overdose epidemic. In 2016, provisional data indicates that overdose mortality increased over 20% from 2015 to reach a record high of 64,070 deaths [1, 2]. The opioid overdose epidemic, once dominated by prescription opioid misuse, is now driven by the use of heroin and other illicit drugs [3,4,5,6].
This question raises several considerations, especially regarding legality, safety, and health risks.
Addiction is the most severe form of a substance use disorder (SUD). SUDs are characterized by compulsive drug seeking and drug use that can be difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. When someone is addicted to drugs, they continue to use them even though they cause health problems or issues at work, school, or home. Naloxone is available at pharmacies across the state at low or no cost; naloxone kits and training sessions are available upon request. I only need to be concerned about fentanyl if I am using certain drugs like heroin. In another drug-checking approach that would provide more information about the content of drugs, the Bruker Alpha machine might be useful at a fixed or secured mobile location, with trained personnel to interpret the scans.
- Legal Status: In many countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it is illegal to buy fentanyl without a valid prescription from a licensed medical provider.
- Appropriate Use: It is crucial to obtain fentanyl only through legal channels for legitimate medical purposes. Self-medicating or obtaining it illegally can lead to serious health complications and legal issues.
- Overdose Risks: The risk of overdose is significant with fentanyl, even in small amounts. Purchasing fentanyl from unregulated sources increases the likelihood of receiving counterfeit drugs that may contain lethal doses.
You can also fill out our general request form and someone from the Overdose Prevention team will reach out to you. Interpretation services are available for non-English speakers. Help and hope are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
FAQs about Buying Fentanyl
Q: Can fentanyl be prescribed by a doctor?
A: Yes, fentanyl can be prescribed by healthcare professionals for specific medical conditions, particularly for pain management in cancer patients or those recovering from surgery.
Q: Is it legal to buy fentanyl online?
A: Purchasing fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and highly dangerous. Many online sources may sell counterfeit medications that contain harmful substances.
Q: What should I do if I need pain relief?
A: Consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your pain management needs. They can guide you on the safest and most effective options available.
Conclusion
In summary, while fentanyl is an effective medical treatment, the risks associated with its use and the legal restrictions surrounding its purchase are significant. Always explore alternatives and seek medical advice before considering fentanyl as a treatment option.
