One of them, Jeff, sat against the wall, his arms around his legs and his hoodie pulled up far over his head. Even with the reshuffling, the precinct still routinely operates with staffing at a minimum, sometimes significantly so. The precinct requires 17 officers on patrol to safely respond to 911 calls during the afternoon shift, the Police Bureau says.
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has gained notoriety in recent years due to its high potency and potential for misuse. As a prescription medication, fentanyl is primarily used to manage severe pain in patients who have developed a tolerance to other opioids. However, its illicit use has surged, leading many to question whether people are actively purchasing this dangerous drug.
The Rise of Illicit Fentanyl
Fentanyl’s popularity on the black market can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, its high potency makes it an attractive option for those seeking a strong and immediate euphoric effect. When compared to heroin or morphine, fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent, increasing its desirability among individuals with substance use disorders.
Secondly, the production and distribution of illicit fentanyl have become increasingly sophisticated. Criminal organizations often manufacture fentanyl in clandestine laboratories, bypassing regulations and quality control measures. This allows them to flood the market with counterfeit pills or mix fentanyl with other substances, such as heroin or cocaine, without the user’s knowledge.
- Some of those cases involve intentional use, but some may result from small amounts of fentanyl that are mixed with other drugs without users’ knowledge.
- We’re educating providers more about how to not stigmatize people, to treat people where they are, as they are.
- Fentanyl is also often found in counterfeit pressed pills made to look like oxycodone (M30s), Xanax, and other prescription pills.
- People think it’s oxycodone, but it’s harder to get oxycodone on the black market than it is to get the fentanyl precursor.
- So, part of the conversation we are having today is how can we increase access and affordability to a lifesaving treatment, understanding that it is one of the most clear ways to prevent death.
The accessibility of fentanyl through online platforms and the dark web has also contributed to its widespread availability. The anonymity provided by these channels facilitates illegal transactions, making it easier for individuals to purchase fentanyl discreetly.
The Motivations Behind Buying Fentanyl
Understanding why people buy fentanyl is crucial in addressing the ongoing crisis. While each person may have different motivations, several common reasons emerge:
1. Recreation and Intensification of Highs
For some individuals, the allure of fentanyl lies in its ability to enhance the effects of other drugs or to induce a powerful high on its own. The intense euphoria and sedation associated with fentanyl can be appealing, especially for those chasing stronger and more immediate sensations.
2. Addiction and Dependence
Fentanyl addiction is a harsh reality for many individuals who initially used the drug recreationally. The highly addictive nature of opioids, combined with fentanyl’s potency, can quickly lead to dependence and a relentless craving for its effects. As a result, people may buy fentanyl to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or satisfy their addiction.
Responding to Xylazine Overdoses
In truth, almost nothing is actually known about how much fentanyl is in street drugs, and doses vary enormously, often far outside this range, on both the lower and higher end. The Homeland Security and Justice departments have also increased enforcement operations aimed at the production and smuggling of fentanyl. The Biden administration recently imposed sanctions on 28 people and organizations, including a China-based network involved in producing and distributing fentanyl precursors. It also placed sanctions on members of the Sinaloa cartel, one of the largest Mexican traffickers of fentanyl to the United States. In September, Mexico extradited a leader of the Sinaloa cartel to the United States. Congress passed a law during the Trump administration imposing more regulations on prescription opioids and providing grants to states to help fight the epidemic.
3. Cost and Availability
In some cases, availability and cost play significant roles in the decision to purchase fentanyl. Due to its relatively low production cost, fentanyl has become an attractive alternative for drug traffickers looking to maximize profits. Additionally, for individuals with limited access to healthcare or prescription medications, obtaining fentanyl on the illicit market may seem like a more affordable option.
HIV Specialty Care
The Dangers of Buying Fentanyl
Buying fentanyl on the black market poses significant risks to individuals and communities:
1. Overdose and Death
Fentanyl’s potency makes it extremely dangerous, even in small doses. Its use can easily result in overdose, leading to respiratory depression, coma, or death. Moreover, due to its presence in counterfeit pills or mixed with other drugs, users often underestimate the strength of the substances they are consuming, increasing the likelihood of a fatal outcome.
Hypoxia can lead to a coma and permanent brain damage, and even death. A harm-reduction organization in Vancouver is helping people addicted to opioids buy pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl at street prices as an alternative to the illicit drug supply—a first in North America. 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. But if you’re going to use street drugs, testing them for fentanyl first might save your life. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain and by restoring breathing.
This variability can mean that while one pill may be taken (usually snorted or smoked, but sometimes taken orally) with very little consequence, the next pill could have much more fentanyl and could even be deadly. The biggest risk for teens misusing fentanyl is the poor quality standards these fentanyl pills are made in; poor quality control leads to variable amounts of fentanyl in each pill. Perhaps the most concerning side effect of all opioids is respiratory depression.
Boulder County Substance Use Advisory Group
2. Unregulated Composition
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl lacks quality control measures, making it difficult to determine its purity or composition. Consuming unknown substances significantly increases the risk of adverse reactions, as users cannot accurately gauge the potency or potential interactions with other drugs they may be taking.
3. Contributing to the Opioid Crisis
The illicit fentanyl market contributes to the ongoing opioid crisis, which has already claimed countless lives. By purchasing fentanyl, individuals inadvertently support criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking and perpetuate the cycle of addiction and overdose.
Addressing the Issue
How common is opioid use disorder?
Combating the demand for illicit fentanyl requires a multi-faceted approach:
1. Education and Awareness
Efforts must focus on educating the public about the dangers of fentanyl use and raising awareness about available resources for those struggling with substance abuse. Disseminating accurate information can help dispel misconceptions and encourage individuals to seek help rather than resort to illicit purchases.
Fentanyl and its analogs
2. Access to Treatment and Support
Expanding access to evidence-based addiction treatment and harm reduction services is crucial in addressing fentanyl addiction and preventing overdose deaths. Providing resources such as medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and naloxone distribution can save lives and support long-term recovery.
3. Law Enforcement and Interagency Cooperation
Targeting the production and distribution networks of illicit fentanyl through robust law enforcement efforts is essential. Collaboration between local, national, and international agencies can disrupt supply chains, dismantle illegal laboratories, and prosecute those involved in the illegal trade.
In conclusion, the illicit purchase of fentanyl remains a concerning issue. Understanding why people buy fentanyl and addressing the underlying factors driving its demand is crucial in combating the devastating consequences associated with its misuse. By implementing comprehensive strategies encompassing education, access to treatment, and law enforcement efforts, we can strive towards a safer future free from the grip of this lethal synthetic opioid.
