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Dose of Reality: Get the Facts on Opioids
Where to get naloxone
Why is opioid use disorder treated with an opioid-based medication?

paper, unlabelled candies, blue M-30 pills, Xanax “bars”, or other pills/tablets/capsules. Students, staff, faculty and community members can also access resources outside the university. 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. Additional fentanyl test kits and doses of NARCAN® will be purchased and distributed with funds made available from the National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement funds.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is a prescription medication primarily used to treat severe pain. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. As such, it is illegal to possess or purchase fentanyl without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.

The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl Without a Prescription

Dose of Reality: Get the Facts on Opioids

From Xanax to cocaine, drugs or counterfeit pills purchased in nonmedical settings may contain life-threatening amounts of fentanyl. 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. It works by blocking the effects of opioids and can restore normal breathing within 2-3 minutes.

Attempting to buy fentanyl without a prescription can have serious consequences. Firstly, consuming fentanyl without proper medical supervision can lead to overdose and death. Fentanyl is significantly more potent than other opioids like morphine or oxycodone, making even small doses potentially lethal.

Moreover, obtaining fentanyl from illicit sources is incredibly risky. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl, often sold on the black market, may be mixed with other substances, further increasing the risk of overdose. These counterfeit versions can vary greatly in potency and purity, making it nearly impossible to gauge a safe dosage. Taking fentanyl obtained illegally also means the absence of quality control measures, heightening the dangers associated with its use.

The Legal Implications

Where to get naloxone

Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs that come in powder form.
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Buying fentanyl without a prescription is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. In many countries, including the United States, unauthorized possession, distribution, or sale of fentanyl is a criminal offense. Law enforcement agencies actively target individuals involved in the illicit trade of fentanyl due to its devastating impact on public health. If caught purchasing or possessing fentanyl without a prescription, individuals may face severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and imprisonment.

Why is opioid use disorder treated with an opioid-based medication?

Then, if and when they want to change their use – maybe stop, reduce or switch to a safer drug – we’re here for them. Fentanyl may also be cross-contaminating other drugs as they are stored or trafficked. Fentanyl is most often smoked using a pill crusher, small piece of tinfoil, lighter, and straw to inhale the smoke. Other items indicating use may be needles, small mirrors, scales, blotter

Responsible Use of Prescription Medications

Prescription medications, like fentanyl, should never be taken without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. These professionals evaluate the patient’s medical condition, history, and overall health to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment. They also closely monitor patients for any potential side effects or signs of dependency.

Most are at least 96% accurate in detecting fentanyl as well as many fentanyl analogs (drugs that are chemically similar but not identical to fentanyl). 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. Learn about prevention, harm reduction and substance use at CU Boulder.

If you believe that fentanyl may be necessary for your pain management, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They will assess your condition and decide if fentanyl is the appropriate treatment option for you. By following the prescribed guidelines, you can ensure your safety and minimize the risk of adverse effects.

How do fentanyl test strips work?

Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication. King County worked with Rescue Agency to create Laced & Lethal, a campaign to educate youth about fentanyl, and how to respond to overdose. Fentanyl deaths are rising quickly for young people in WA State.