The lack of oxygen eventually inhibits the function of other vital organs including the heart and the brain. This can lead to unconsciousness, coma, and ultimately death. Mr. Hendricks, who has a 1-year-old daughter, said he suspected that fentanyl was being added to his crack to make the drug more addictive and even harder to quit. Using a test strip “would give me peace of mind, to explain what I’ve been feeling,” he said. The Washington State Standard is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet that provides original reporting, analysis and commentary on Washington state government and politics. We seek to keep you informed about Washington’s most pressing issues, the decisions elected leaders are making, how they are spending tax dollars and who is influencing public policy.
- Another measure is increasing the availability of opioid agonists like methadone and buprenorphine that reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping people stay in treatment and decrease illicit drug use.
- However, there were hundreds of memorable moments and potentially life-saving conversations.
- In 2015, more people in the U.S. died from overdose than from firearm homicides, melanoma, auto accidents or HIV-related causes.
- According to the DEA, most of the illicit supply comes from outside the United States, where clandestine laboratories synthesize fentanyl into counterfeit pills.
- Some counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids like oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin) and alprazolam (Xanax), or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall).
You can use a micro scoop and a bottle cap to test a portion of your drugs. A standard plastic bottle cap holds approximately one teaspoon (5 ml) of water when almost full. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Cronin told us that Gordon Jin would often slip fentanyl past U.S. Customs by shipping it to a co-conspirator in the United States posing as a legitimate chemical company.
Fentanyl test strips are dipped into drug residue dissolved in water. Within minutes, a person can know whether the drug contains fentanyl. A tiny amount – as little as two grains of salt – is enough to kill someone. With information from the test, a person can take steps to reduce their risk of an overdose.
Xylazine Test Strips
Learn how to use a fentanyl test strip with these shareable infographics, developed by PONI, available for download in English and in Español. Ashley Perry, Intervention black market Case Manager from Project Weber/RENEW, explains how to use a fentanyl test strip. If you know or think someone is struggling with addiction, ask them if you can help.
STEP 3: Interpreting The Results
In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services reported that about 70% of the 2,000 drug-related deaths in 2021 involved a synthetic opioid. The stigma around addiction may prevent people from accessing these resources, though. Buying online offers more privacy, and the strips are available for about $1 each from sites like DoseTest and Bunk Police.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is often used in medical settings for pain management, but it has also become a popular drug of abuse due to its potency and availability. With the rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths, many people are wondering: darknet market?
Distribution Part Of Efforts To Reduce Drug Overdose Deaths
The Availability of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is only available by prescription. However, the illegal manufacture and distribution of fentanyl have made it widely available on the black market. Fentanyl can be found in various forms, including pills, powder, and patches. It can also be mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit prescription pills, to increase their potency and addictive properties.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Can you buy fentanyl? Yes, but it comes with significant risks. Fentanyl is highly potent and can easily lead to overdose and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 37,000 people died from synthetic opioid-related overdoses in 2019, and fentanyl was the primary driver of this trend. Fentanyl can also cause respiratory depression, which can lead to brain damage and death if not treated promptly.
The Legal Consequences of Buying Fentanyl
Can you buy fentanyl? While it may be available on the black market, buying fentanyl is illegal and can result in severe legal consequences. Possession of fentanyl without a prescription is a felony, and the penalties can include imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record. Trafficking fentanyl is also a serious crime, and the penalties can be even more severe, including life imprisonment and significant fines.
Conclusion
While fentanyl may be available on the black market, the dangers and legal consequences of buying it far outweigh any potential benefits. The potency of fentanyl makes it a significant risk for overdose and death, and the legal penalties for possession and trafficking can be severe. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seek professional help and support. There are many resources available to help you overcome addiction and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
