Do People Buy Fentanyl?

Upon finding our first case of discordance between self-reported substance use and UA results, we had to weigh several factors. Balancing all these considerations, we concluded we should inform participants about the results, a decision supported by our IRB. This information was received gratefully participants, and a routine research procedure became a useful harm reduction measure. This paper describes the characteristics, reactions and experiences of participants who were informed they had consumed fentanyl unintentionally. We also describe how our research team decided on appropriate disclosure and harm reduction counseling procedures. The central goal of this paper is to describe perceptions and reactions of people who learn about unintentional fentanyl use via UA results, since most papers in this area explore ‘perceived’ fentanyl use.

Chronic Disease Control

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, such as those with advanced cancer. However, fentanyl is also illegally manufactured and distributed, often mixed with other drugs like heroin and cocaine, to increase their potency.

• Learn about prevention, harm reduction and substance use at CU Boulder.
• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat the most severe pain.
• To combat it, Besser says people should educate themselves on the signs, like emoji sellers and buyer usage.
• If you or someone you know uses fentanyl or drugs of the type that are commonly laced with fentanyl, education is your greatest defense against death.
• People who intentionally used fentanyl were also more likely to be younger, white, use drugs more often, and test positive for stimulants, among other characteristics.
• While addiction to opioids can sometimes begin when patients take prescription opioids for medical reasons, prescription opioid misuse most commonly occurs among people who already misuse other substances.

Heroin users in my community in Massachusetts came to realize that fentanyl had entered the drug supply when overdose numbers exploded. In 2016, my colleagues and I found that patients who came to the emergency department reporting a heroin overdose often only had fentanyl present in their drug test results. Oftentimes, people who use drugs may not be aware that fentanyl is in the substances they are using. It is identified through lab testing or more conveniently fentanyl test strips which are available to the public in Minnesota.

Illegally Manufactured Fentanyl Is Being Found In Many Drugs

The Dangers of Fentanyl

The physical symptoms of fentanyl misuse will resemble the symptoms of misuse of other opioids and substances like slow and ineffective breathing, lethargy and sedation, slurred speech and erratic behavior. Unless the tablets came from a pharmacy, it is now reasonable to assume any opioid obtained from illegal sales has the potential to be laced with fentanyl, says Dr. Peterson. Fentanyl is a short-acting drug, meaning that many will feel a “high” of increased mood quickly, but it will also wear off quickly. Maintaining that “high” will require additional uses, making it highly addictive.

Public Safety

Fentanyl is extremely dangerous. It can be deadly even in small doses, and it is often mixed with other drugs without the user’s knowledge. This makes it difficult for users to know how much fentanyl they are taking, which can lead to accidental overdoses.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 36,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl in 2019. This represents a significant increase from the 3,000 synthetic opioid-related deaths reported in 2013.

Fentanyl Regulation

Who Buys Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is often sold on the street, either in powder form or as counterfeit pills that look like prescription drugs. It is typically bought by people who are already addicted to opioids and are looking for a more potent high. However, because fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, it can also be purchased unintentionally by people who think they are buying something else.

Outside the North American space, we have seen limited instances. There is an established fentanyl market in Europe, in Austria, that has been in existence for over 20 years. About a decade, decade a half ago, there were instances of fentanyl popping up in the northern – in the Nordic countries, but police officials there, law enforcement at the time was able to stamp it out very quickly.

Is Fentanyl Legal?

Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is only available by prescription. However, illegally manufactured fentanyl is not legal and is considered a dangerous drug. Possession, distribution, or manufacture of illegal fentanyl can result in severe penalties, including long prison sentences and fines.

FAQs

• Is fentanyl more dangerous than heroin? Yes, fentanyl is significantly more potent than heroin and is often mixed with other drugs without the user’s knowledge. This makes it particularly dangerous.
• How is fentanyl used? Fentanyl can be injected, snorted, or smoked. It can also be absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes.
• Can you overdose on fentanyl? Yes, fentanyl overdoses are common and can be fatal. Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
• How can you prevent a fentanyl overdose? The best way to prevent a fentanyl overdose is to avoid using the drug altogether. If you do use fentanyl, use it in a safe environment with someone who can call for help if needed. It is also important to use fentanyl only as directed by a doctor and to never mix it with other drugs.

In conclusion, fentanyl is a dangerous drug that is often bought and sold illegally. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with fentanyl and to take steps to prevent overdoses. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seek help immediately.