Yes, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S. and is available by prescription only. When monitored and used as directed by your physician, it can effectively relieve severe pain. You should never use it unless it has been prescribed by a licensed medical professional who cares for you and is dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Opioids were involved in 68,630 overdose deaths in 2020 (74.8% of all drug overdose deaths). The 2021 UT study of drug trends showed that Texas has avoided the heroin overdose crisis seen in other states because Mexican black tar heroin is the most common version of the drug found in the state.
Understanding Fentanyl and Its Market Demand
These withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and include severe body aches, sweating, anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and strong cravings for opioids. Withdrawal symptoms can start within hours and can last for days. With regular use of fentanyl and other opioids, a person’s body can become physically dependent. This means that when a person suddenly stops using opioids, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, including body aches, shivers, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
With the nation still in the grips of an opioid epidemic that began decades ago, the crisis has deepened in recent years with the introduction of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including fentanyl. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about obtaining naloxone to carry and keep at home.
Prescription opioids have always been used to alleviate serious pain, such as after surgery. The opioid crisis, that is the rise in opioid overdose deaths, can be outlined in three distinct waves. The first wave began with increased prescribing of opioids in the 1990’s, with overdose deaths involving prescription opioids (natural and semi-synthetic opioids and methadone) increasing since at least 1999. The second wave began in 2010, with rapid increases in overdose deaths involving heroin.
Below are recommended actions that different groups can take to address this issue. So far this year, the DEA’s Denver Field Division has seized 1.2 million pills, a number far higher than in years past, and many of them come laced with fentanyl. Besser says this is happening in every corner of the country and affecting millions of kids and teens. We see big rise in meth use in places like Germany, France, Spain. It is only a matter of time before they start introducing fentanyl into those markets as well. We have also seen instances of fentanyl in Argentina, Brazil, various reports of fentanyl supply in Colombia, efforts by criminal groups in Colombia to divert fentanyl from legal medical use for the illegal market.
Cocaine, the highly addictive stimulant made from coca leaves, was used more than a century ago to treat a wide variety of illnesses and was often used by early surgeons to block pain before local anesthetics were developed. “Crack” is the term often given to cocaine after it has been refined into a smokable substance. Texas drug labs have recently started seeing meth being placed in counterfeit Adderall pills, meaning a segment of meth users might be unaware they are even addicted to the drug. The drug targets the brain and the spinal cord to create a sense of well-being or euphoria. Symptoms can include talkativeness, decreased appetite and a pleasurable sense of well-being.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has garnered significant attention in recent years. As the opioid crisis continues to evolve, many wonder, do people buy fentanyl? The answer is complex and multifaceted, reflecting wider trends in drug use and the pharmaceutical industry.
Fentanyl is a type of medication known as an opioid, like morphine or oxycodone. Technically fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, meaning that it is manufactured in labs rather than from the poppy plant like many traditional opioid pain medications. Fentanyl acts on targets in the brain known as opioid receptors to produce feelings of pain relief as well as other effects in our body.
They do not have the special equipment that spread out the chemicals evenly. It does not take a lot of fentanyl to cause an overdose, especially for someone who does not usually use opioids. Routine testing for xylazine by the Oregon State Medical Examiner began in 2020.
- — That’s what you’re doing if you’re taking pills not prescribed to you by your doctor.
- Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is distributed in powder or tablet (pill) form through illegal drug markets.
- Naloxone should always be given when a drug overdose is suspected, even if the specific drugs used are not known.
- While not all participants were surprised that they had unintentionally consumed fentanyl, all felt that learning their positive results was important due to risk of overdose.
The Profile of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is primarily used in medical settings for pain management, especially for patients undergoing surgery or suffering from severe pain. However, its potency—approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine—makes it highly addictive and dangerous when misused.
- Pharmaceutical Use: Fentanyl is prescribed in various forms, including patches, lozenges, and injectable solutions.
- Illicit Market: Fentanyl is often produced illegally and mixed with other drugs, leading to accidental overdoses.
Everything You Need To Know About Fentanyl
Factors Influencing Fentanyl Purchases
Several factors contribute to whether individuals seek out or purchase fentanyl:
- Medical Needs: Those with chronic pain may be prescribed fentanyl, leading to legitimate purchases through pharmacies.
- Illicit Use: Individuals may turn to the dark web or street dealers to procure fentanyl for recreational use.
- Accessibility: The proliferation of fentanyl on the black market has made it easier for users to buy.
Reasons Behind Purchasing Fentanyl
For those wondering do people buy fentanyl, it’s essential to consider the motivations behind such decisions:
- Pain Relief: Individuals suffering from severe pain conditions often seek effective relief.
- Addiction: Some users may develop a dependency on opioids and turn to fentanyl as a more potent option.
- Cost: Fentanyl may be cheaper than other opioids in the illicit market, driving some to buy it despite the risks.
Consequences of Purchasing Fentanyl
While some people may see fentanyl as a solution, the consequences of purchasing it can be dire:
- Overdoses: The risk of overdose is significantly higher with fentanyl due to its potency.
- Legal Repercussions: Buying fentanyl illegally can result in severe criminal charges.
- Health Risks: Aside from overdose, misuse can lead to long-term health issues and addiction.
FAQs: Understanding Fentanyl Purchases
What are the signs of fentanyl addiction?
Signs include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and compulsive drug seeking behaviors.
Is fentanyl legal to buy?
Fentanyl is legal only when prescribed by a licensed medical professional; purchasing it outside of this is illegal and highly risky.
How can one avoid fentanyl abuse?
Education, seeking alternatives for pain management, and professional guidance can greatly reduce the risk of fentanyl abuse.
What should I do if I suspect someone is using fentanyl irresponsibly?
Encouraging them to seek help from addiction services or medical professionals can be crucial. Immediate intervention may save lives.
Conclusion
The question, do people buy fentanyl, opens up a dialogue about the realities of drug use in society today. It’s vital to recognize the dangers and the reasons behind purchasing fentanyl, whether for legitimate medical reasons or through illicit channels. Public awareness and education are key to addressing the ongoing crisis surrounding this potent drug.
