Understanding Fentanyl and Its Online Availability
ASAP Market showing a listing of fentanyl, despite supposedly banning the sale of the drug. Dark web market rules prohibiting the sale of fentanyl on their platforms. The United States Postal System has been, for many years, the most reliable way to smuggle drugs from China to the U.S.
Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the United States are linked to illicitly made fentanyl. Illicitly made fentanyl is often found in counterfeit pills, which are made to look like prescription drugs or may be added to other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine. To note, that while several of these strategies were illustrated in M30 Reddit content, naloxone was not a pervasive theme. One post mentioned experiencing an overdose and receiving naloxone as a result of receiving contaminated M30s, while another post mentioned having naloxone in the home when discussing using 30s to control opioid withdrawals. Other research has found limited discussion of naloxone on drug subreddits (Bunting et al., 2021; Overbeek & Janke, 2018). Posts from Redditors in this study also highlighted the possible role of stigma in finding reliable information on harm reduction strategies, as many Redditors had concerns over their consumption.
While a prescription drug like oxycodone might have a street value of $80 per pill, in most states, a dose of heroin costs less than a pack of cigarettes. To buy his fentanyl, the man uses “darknet” sites, which are unlisted on search engines, rely on a special private browser for access, and don’t tie his username to his identity. He says most of the sites on the regular internet, which the Senate report focused on, are scams in which dealers will take money and fail to deliver.
- In addition, law enforcement agencies are seizing historical levels of the deadly drug.
- This indicates that some vendors are directly involved in the manufacturing and supply, as well as onward distribution.
- It is short acting and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled when mixed into other drugs.
- ASAP Market showing a listing of fentanyl, despite supposedly banning the sale of the drug.
Here’s some information so you can stay informed, aware, and safer around fentanyl and other opioids. There’s a downside on the testing front – what we call the ‘chocolate chip cookie’ phenomenon. With counterfeit prescription drugs, not every pill is uniform – contrasting with what you would get at your pharmacy. Illicit manufacturers do not have the machinery or quality control that the pharmaceutical companies do. As such, some counterfeit tablets will have no fentanyl, some will have a little, and some will have enough to kill you. The same principle holds true if you buy an entire bottle of potentially counterfeit tablets – out of 20 pills, 10 might be lethal, while five have no fentanyl in them at all.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often prescribed for pain management, particularly in patients with severe pain or those who have developed a tolerance to other opioids. However, it is also notorious for its potential for misuse and overdose.
Many individuals may wonder, “Can you buy fentanyl online?” This question is critical, as the dangers associated with acquiring such a potent substance through unregulated channels can be life-threatening.
Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
Although experimental drug use by teenagers in the United States has been dropping since 2010, their deaths from fentanyl have skyrocketed, to 884 in 2021, from 253 in 2019, according to a recent study in the journal JAMA. Mr. Webb, a laid-back snowboarder and skateboarder who, with the imminent birth of his first child, had become despondent over his pandemic-dimmed finances, bought Percocet, a prescription opioid, through a dealer on Snapchat. The association of these pills with fentanyl was so strong, that some Redditors specifically sought out the M30 pills for their fentanyl content.
Potent benzodiazepines, or tranquilizers, are now further contaminating the illicit fentanyl supply, causing more complicated overdoses. The fentanyl powder capsules being sold via PHS Community Services Society can be used to smoke, snort, or inject, the Globe reports. Many substances in the U.S. are laced with fentanyl, a very powerful synthetic opioid painkiller.
Naloxone can reverse a fentanyl overdose, although in some cases it may take more doses because fentanyl is so potent. You should also call 911, just like for any medical emergency, so extra help is on the way. If children are caught in school with drugs, they can be arrested, and the investigation will probably reach back to the household with Child and Family Services involved.
Purchasing fentanyl online poses significant risks, including:
- Legal consequences: Buying prescription medications without a valid prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions.
- Health risks: Online sources may provide counterfeit or adulterated versions of fentanyl, which can lead to serious health complications.
- Potential for overdose: Due to its potency, even a small amount of fentanyl can result in fatal overdose, especially if the individual is unaware of the dosage or purity.
Types of Online Sources
Individuals may encounter various types of online sources when searching for fentanyl:
- Illegal websites: Many websites operate outside the law, selling controlled substances without any safety checks.
- Dark web markets: These are more clandestine and require specific software to access. The risks here are even greater.
- Pharmacies claiming to be legitimate: Some pharmacies may present themselves as legal but operate without proper licensing.
Recognizing a Legitimate Pharmacy
In circumstances where patients need genuine medication, it is important to ensure that the pharmacy is legitimate. Here are some tips to recognize a credible pharmacy:
- Prescription requirement: A legitimate pharmacy will always require a prescription for controlled substances.
- Contact information: There should be a verifiable phone number and address listed on the site.
- Licensed pharmacist availability: A real pharmacy will have licensed pharmacists available for consultation.
FAQs about Buying Fentanyl Online
1. Can you legally buy fentanyl online?
No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl online without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
2. What happens if you buy fentanyl from unregulated sources?
Purchasing from unregulated sources can result in receiving counterfeit drugs, leading to health risks and possible overdose.
3. Are there alternatives to online pharmacies for obtaining fentanyl legally?
Yes, patients can obtain fentanyl through legitimate healthcare providers and pharmacies with a prescription.
Become A Harm Reduction Champion
4. How can I identify counterfeit fentanyl?
Counterfeit fentanyl may have different packaging, inconsistent pill colors, or unusual markings. If you have concerns, consult a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
While the question of “Can you buy fentanyl online?” may seem straightforward, the implications of such actions are profound and complex. It’s essential to prioritize safety and legality when seeking any medication.
Always consult with healthcare professionals and use legitimate pharmacies to ensure medications are safe and effective.
