Fentanyl Testing Guidance
Always carry Narcan, a lifesaving medication that can stop an overdose while it’s happening. Narcan is available at all pharmacies in Delaware, without a prescription, or through distribution centers. When using drugs, start with a very small amount and go slow to test the strength. Never use alone, but if you must, have someone check on you. Talk to friends and family about what to do if you overdose.
Understanding Fentanyl
Share these #OnePillKills graphics (ZIP) to increase awareness about the fentanyl crisis. Learn the signs of a fentanyl poisoning and speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home. “Because fentanyl is so powerful, patients are having greater physical withdrawals,” Ward said. “We’ve seen an uptick in the amount of medication we’ve had to prescribe for some patients just to keep them stable.” Until recently, intentional use of fentanyl was mostly limited to the West Coast, but in the past few years, addiction specialists have seen an uptick in use of the drug across the country.
The fentanyl powder capsules being sold via PHS Community Services Society can be used to smoke, snort, or inject, the Globe reports. Among the U.S. cities with the highest number of people who use heroin, Baltimore is taking novel steps to address the opioid epidemic within its boundaries. The city’s health department has actively worked to get naloxone, the opioid-overdose reversal medication, into the hands of people who can use it to save lives, and to expand access to addiction treatment. Working with the nonprofit Code in the Schools, the city in 2017 launched a “bad batch” text alert system, to warn people who use drugs when there is a spike in overdose deaths in a certain area.
Because fentanyl and other synthetics are so much stronger, they take up a lot less space and can be much more easily hidden in other products. For example, it can be hidden in fake “Silica Gel” packets and included with another product, and was uncovered by the Globe and Mail. And because these drugs are synthetics, they can be produced in factories without leaving much of a supply chain to tip off investigators.
These stereotypes portray people who use drugs as unreliable, dangerous, deceitful, and pleasure-seeking. And yet those myths and stereotypes continue to drive our policies, our clinical models, the way the public thinks about drug use. My hope is the test strips could become even more available so that someone could go to a drugstore, pharmacy, or convenience store and be able to purchase them. We want multiple touchpoints and multiple avenues for people to be able to empower themselves and stay safe. There’s a lot of urban legend out there about the intentional contamination of drugs, but that doesn’t really make any sense.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used medically for pain management.
They are increasingly looking at connections to Asian markets, which makes even Pacific ports in the Southern Cone of very high interest. And high possibility that they will start bringing – using fentanyl. It’s a country where communities, families live on both sides of the border. It is more than just our neighbor; it is part of the North American community.
- Officer Eli Arnold, who’s made a specialty of spotting dealers, was watching the action from a neighboring building.
- We investigated three available technologies to provide people who use drugs with information that could save their lives.
- But inside, there would be as many as 50 individual drug packages each addressed to the person who’d ordered them.
Fentanyl overdose often comes on much faster and stronger than a typical opioid overdose. In some cases, a person’s chest may become very stiff (called “chest wall rigidity” or “wooden chest”). This can make it harder for the victim to breathe and for a responder to do chest compressions.
It is significantly stronger than morphine and is prescribed for severe pain, particularly in cancer patients.
However, due to its potency, it has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
How Fentanyl is Available
Fentanyl can be acquired in various forms:
- Pills
- Patch (transdermal)
- Lozenges
- Injection
Prescription vs. Illicit Use
It is crucial to differentiate between legally prescribed fentanyl and illicit forms:
- Prescription Fentanyl: Obtained through a healthcare provider for legitimate medical reasons.
- Illicit Fentanyl: Often manufactured illegally and may be mixed with other drugs, leading to increased risk.
How to Buy Fentanyl Legally
When considering how to buy fentanyl legally, follow these steps:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Discuss your pain management options and see if fentanyl is appropriate for you.
- Obtain a Prescription: If deemed necessary, your doctor will write a prescription for fentanyl.
- Select a Licensed Pharmacy: Choose a pharmacy that is authorized to dispense controlled substances.
- Follow State Laws: Be aware of local laws regarding the purchase and possession of fentanyl.
Risks and Precautions
Purchasing fentanyl carries significant risks, including:
- Overdose: Due to its potency, even a small miscalculation can lead to overdose.
- Addiction: Continuous use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
- Legal Issues: Possessing fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal and may result in legal penalties.
FAQs
Can you buy fentanyl online?
Buying fentanyl online is risky as there are many illegal sellers. Always opt for a licensed pharmacy.
What should I do if I suspect someone is abusing fentanyl?
If you suspect someone is abusing fentanyl, it’s essential to seek help from healthcare professionals or addiction specialists.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Missing a dose may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on missed doses.
Are there alternatives to fentanyl?
Yes, numerous alternatives exist, including non-opioid pain relievers and other classes of opioids.
Conclusion
The process of buying fentanyl should always prioritize safety and legality. It is imperative to use this medication responsibly and under medical supervision to mitigate risks associated with its potency.
