Understanding the Process of Purchasing Substances
Criminalization, coupled with negative framings of drug selling as predatory, contributes to the difficultly in examining acts of mutual aid and care that surround drug selling as practices of care. By taking seriously the importance for PWUD of procuring good quality drugs, a wider variety of practices of care are made visible. These additional practices of care include assistance in buying drugs, information on drug potency, and refusal to sell drugs that are perceived to be too strong.
When discussing how to buy drugs, it is essential to approach the topic with caution and awareness. Many factors should be considered, including legality, safety, and personal health.
The same minor user who followed a Xanax-selling account recommended by Instagram received a series of unsolicited phone calls from the dealer looking to make a sale. In another case, after a minor user followed an Instagram account selling drugs, the dealer sent a direct message with a menu of products, prices, and shipping options without waiting for the buyer to initiate a conversation. Like drug of abuse, the products purchased via online drug sales are extremely dangerous. Foreign drug manufacturers are not held to American drug standards, and like any home drug laboratories, can use synthetic, chemical additives in their production process. There is no regulation of these substances and there is no stamp saying they are pure.
It’s important to make note of how many pills and refills are remaining and safely dispose of any unused or expired medications. Until we get regulated safe supply everywhere, finding trusted unregulated vendors is the best we can do. You can bring prescription medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from Mexico into the United States.
Legal Considerations
With substance-specific detox programs and treatment, clients are set up with individualized treatment plans to ensure that they’re provided with the right services to treat their symptoms. So when you tell a young person all of this now, they look at you as though you have beamed down from another planet. But ironically growing up in the era I did, feels very alien to what social media looks like now! At Gwent N-Gage, a young persons substance use service covering the Gwent region, we deliver a training package that looks at drug availability via certain social media platforms. In 1974, an Australian television reporter asked science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke what the year 2001 might be like for his young son.
Before engaging in any purchasing activity, consider the following:
- Legal Status: Research the laws in your area regarding drug possession and usage.
- Punishments: Understand the potential consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
- Health Risks: Acknowledge the health implications associated with using illegal substances.
This introduces and prepares the dealer for future conversations about his/her activities and what they may encompass. Finally, the subject’s right to drop out of the study at any time has the positive effect of encouraging participation. Stressing that persons have the privilege, once they begin, to change their minds if they do not feel comfortable, demonstrates that the subject is not obligated to continue in the study. In short, emphasizing confidentiality, explaining the study, stressing the rights of subjects, steps to assure anonymity, the nature of confidentiality, and freedom to discontinue participation in the study aids in encouraging participation. A cordial reception, on the other hand, can expose the ethnographer to accept much peripheral data just to remain on good terms with the person(s) (Werner & Schoepfle, 1987).
Before you make a decision, learn how prescription drug coverage works with your other drug coverage. For example, you may have drug coverage from an employer or union, TRICARE, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Indian Health Service, or a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy. The drug coverage you already have may change because of Medicare drug coverage, so consider all your coverage options. To join a Medicare drug plan, Medicare Advantage Plan, or other Medicare health plan with drug coverage, you must be a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States. How long until a DEA agent sets up a fake Silk Road account and starts sending SWAT teams instead of LSD to the addresses she gets? As Silk Road inevitably spills out of the bitcoin bubble, its drug-swapping utopians will meet a harsh reality no anonymizing network can blur.
- Even if a user is not actively participating on the platform by searching, liking, or sharing, algorithms use other indications of interest such as time spent hovering over a post.
- She said Telegram has become “a preferred platform for censored and illegal activities” because the platform’s founders have resisted attempts to censor its content or share information with authorities and due to the availability of shopbots which speed up sales.
- The active ingredient of an approved drug product is what makes the medicine effective for the illness or condition it is intended to treat.
- In fact, a recent review by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) found that a staggering 97 percent of these websites violate pharmacy laws and practice standards.
- Another advertises “OG Kush PM” with a string of emojis—the flame emoji, followed by the Christmas tree emoji, and so on.
- A key element for a successful initial conversation is to get the potential respondent to talk at some length about any topic of his/her choice.
Identifying the Source
Choosing a source is a critical part of how to buy drugs. Here are some tips:
- Reputation: Seek out suppliers with positive reviews from others.
- Safety: Ensure the environment is secure and free from police activity.
- Quality: Check for information regarding the potency and purity of the substance.
Social Media Apps Have Made Buying Illegal Drugs About As Convenient As Ordering Pizza, Colorado AG Says
Buying from a Dealer vs. Online Purchases
There are two common methods for purchasing drugs:
- Street Dealers: Typically involve in-person transactions, which can carry more risk.
- Online Transactions: Often perceived as safer, but the legality and reliability can be questionable.
Communication and Negotiation
When engaging with a dealer or seller, effective communication is vital:
- Clear Intent: Be upfront about what you want to purchase.
- Pricing: Negotiate prices to find a fair deal; research standard rates for different substances.
- Safety Measures: Confirm safety protocols to ensure a discreet transaction.
Payment Methods
Understand the different payment options available:
- Cash Transactions: Often preferred due to anonymity.
- Digital Payments: Some sellers may accept cryptocurrency or other forms of digital payment for added discretion.
After the Purchase
Post-purchase behavior is equally important in the process of how to buy drugs:
- Storage: Keep substances in a secure place away from children and pets.
- Consumption: Understand the proper dosage and methods of use to minimize health risks.
- Seek Help: If struggling with usage, consider reaching out to support groups or professionals.
FAQs
What are the legal consequences of buying drugs?
The consequences can vary significantly depending on your location and the type of drugs involved, from fines to imprisonment.
Is it safer to buy drugs online?
While online purchases may offer anonymity, they come with their own set of risks, including scams and legal monitoring.
How can I ensure the substance is pure?
Research and reviews can provide insight, but the best way to ensure purity is through trusted sources only.
What should I do if I need help with substance use?
Contact professionals or local support groups that specialize in addiction treatment and recovery services.
