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A thin test strip — similar to a pregnancy test — can detect whether a street drug contains the dangerous opioid fentanyl, according to a new report. In one study of 242 heroin users in British Columbia, 70 tested positive for fentanyl—and more than 50 of those hadn’t known they were using it. The strips developed by the biotechnology company BTNX based in Toronto, Canada, are only sold to governments and harm reduction programs.
Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate pain and may produce a pleasurable effect on the brain and body. A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery. Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences. Always carry Narcan, a lifesaving medication that can stop an overdose while it’s happening. Narcan is available at all pharmacies in Delaware, without a prescription, or through distribution centers.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is a legal prescription drug used to treat severe pain, but it is also illegally manufactured and sold on the streets. The illegal use of fentanyl has become a significant public health concern due to its high potential for abuse and overdose.
Illegal fentanyl is often mixed into street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and meth. Or it may be added to fake pills made to look like prescription medicines. Fentanyl, which is 50 times as potent as heroin, laces many batches of heroin and cocaine, and it is now involved in at least half of all opioid overdose deaths. More than 70,000 people died of drug overdoses last year—the equivalent of about three 747 plane crashes each week. One of the major causes of opioid overdose on college campuses nationwide is the unintentional ingestion of opiates. In recent years popular recreational drugs like cocaine, Xanax and Adderall have become risks for opioid overdose, as lethal traces of the synthetic opioid fentanyl have been found in the US drug supply.
- Learn how to respond in the event of an overdose and support a loved one in crisis.
- IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon.
- We found a high willingness to use take-home rapid fentanyl test strips among young people who use drugs and are at risk for accidental fentanyl overdose.
- California has set aside $4 million to distribute fentanyl testing strips as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1 billion overall plan to address the crisis.
According to the Department of Justice, F.O.R.T. is a multiagency team composed of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Fresno Police Department. There’s no clear way to tell by sight, taste or smell that something has fentanyl. By testing their drugs, people can know what they’re taking and take steps to be safer, like getting Narcan. Some people may also prefer to take an “upper” like cocaine or methamphetamine mixed with a “downer” like fentanyl for the combined effects. UC San Francisco Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor in Clinical Pharmacy Tessa Rife-Pennington, PharmD, BCGP, works at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and with UCSF’s Addiction Research Program.
Fentanyl Test Strip (TEST STRIPS ONLY)
And in 2023, American enforcement agencies seized enough fentanyl to kill every citizen of the United States. Additionally, Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral (OSAR) providers offer Texans comprehensive best dark web sites 2024 services for fentanyl and other substance use. Callers speak with a trained counselor who can assess needs and refer them to a variety of services, including in-person and telehealth treatment.
Is It Legal to Buy Fentanyl?
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No, it is not legal to buy fentanyl without a prescription. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is subject to strict regulations. It is illegal to possess, sell, or distribute fentanyl without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Can I Buy Fentanyl Online?
No, it is not safe or legal to buy fentanyl online. There are many websites that claim to sell fentanyl online, but these are illegal and often scams. Buying fentanyl online puts you at risk of receiving a fake or contaminated product, which can lead to serious health consequences or even death.
What Are the Risks of Illegally Buying Fentanyl?
- Overdose: Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and even a small amount can cause an overdose. Illegally bought fentanyl may be cut with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Addiction: Fentanyl is highly addictive and can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
- Legal Consequences: Possessing, selling, or distributing fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal and can result in severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
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FAQs
Can I get a prescription for fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a prescription medication used to treat severe pain. It is typically only prescribed to patients who are already taking other opioids dark web market links and have developed a tolerance to them. If you are experiencing severe pain, talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options.
What should I do if I suspect someone is using fentanyl illegally?
If you suspect someone is using fentanyl illegally, it is essential to get them help as soon as possible. Contact your local law enforcement agency or a drug treatment center for assistance.
How can I stay safe from fentanyl?
The best way to stay safe from fentanyl is to avoid using it altogether. If you are prescribed fentanyl, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and never take more than the recommended dose. If you are struggling with opioid addiction, seek help from a licensed healthcare provider or drug treatment center.
