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The only way to be sure is to test street drugs for fentanyl. In 2016, drug overdose deaths exceeded 64,000 in the United States, driven by a sixfold increase in deaths attributable to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Reading or hearing stories about the opioid crisis, overdoses and deaths can be scary. It’s important to know that accidental opioid overdoses are dangerous, but preventable. Here’s some information so you can stay informed, aware, and safer around fentanyl and other opioids.
If you are unable to seek medical assistance, and can not stay with the person yourself, ensure they are in the company of an individual who is aware of the situation and has more naloxone. No drug has fueled the current spike in overdose deaths more than fentanyl. The synthetic opioid claimed two thirds of the record 64,000 such fatalities in the U.S. in 2016.
But a growing number of health and public policy experts are supporting their use along with other harm-reduction strategies. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid related to the phenylpiperidines that is commonly used for moderate to severe pain relief. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we had more people in the Bay Area die from fentanyl than COVID-19, so fentanyl overdoses are really impacting our community. There are a lot of factors but one reason is that it can be made cheaply. It’s also often made as a white powder, which can easily be mixed or “cut” with other drugs like heroin to make them stronger, allowing people who sell drugs to make more profit. This has long been a fear that if you give people tools to make something safer, they’re going to take greater risk.
Fentanyl Test Strip (TEST STRIPS ONLY)
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often used to treat severe pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients. However, in recent years, fentanyl has become a major player in the illicit drug market, causing widespread concern and alarm.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
There has been an increase of fentanyl found in stimulants, like cocaine, as well as pills purchased in street-based economies. This classroom-style training offers an informative presentation darknet markets links to a small group in 30 to 45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions and practice. Participants will learn how to recognize and appropriately respond to an opioid overdose.
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Since then, xylazine has been found in a small but increasing amount of overdose deaths in Oregon. In 2020, there were two overdose deaths where xylazine was identified in the toxicology report, followed by nine in 2021 and nine (so far) in 2022. The Oregon Health Authority expects to see a significant increase in xylazine-involved overdose deaths in 2023 once the data are finalized. So far, all overdose deaths in Oregon where xylazine was present also involved fentanyl. You can still get fentanyl test strips shipped to you if you are not located in Rhode Island.
Fentanyl is highly addictive and can be deadly even in small doses. It can cause respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and even death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 36,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl in 2019.
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Can You Buy Fentanyl Legally?
Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is subject to strict regulations. It can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and can only be dispensed by a pharmacist. It is illegal to possess, distribute, or manufacture fentanyl without a valid prescription.
Can You Buy Fentanyl Illegally?
Illicit fentanyl is often manufactured in clandestine labs and sold on the street as a powder, pill, or mixed with other drugs like heroin or cocaine. It is impossible to know the exact dose or purity of illicit fentanyl, making it extremely dangerous. Buying or selling fentanyl illegally is a felony and can result in severe penalties, including prison time and fines.
FAQs
- Is it safe to use fentanyl? No, fentanyl is highly addictive and can be deadly even in small doses.
- Can I buy fentanyl online? No, it is illegal to buy or sell fentanyl online without a valid prescription.
- What are the penalties for possessing or selling fentanyl illegally? Penalties can include prison time and fines.
- Can I test my drugs for fentanyl? Yes, there are test strips top darknet available that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs.
- Because Fentanyl is strong and often hidden in other substances, accidental overdose can occur quickly and unexpectedly.
- Fentanyl is used widely in medicine for the treatment of severe pain.
- Contact the syringe services program or Dept. of Health and Human Services in your state.
- Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) are a tool to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl, a strong opioid.
In conclusion, fentanyl is a dangerous drug that should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. It is illegal to buy or sell fentanyl without a valid prescription, and doing so can result in severe penalties. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help immediately.
