Portland police believe they are dispatched from suburban safe houses, distributing fentanyl produced with Chinese chemicals in superlabs operated by Mexican drug cartels and shipped up the Interstate 5 corridor. First, the drug trade moved to the parking lot outside Dante’s. Then to Washington Center, a vacant office complex at the busy corner of Southwest 4th Avenue and Washington Street. And when the center was boarded up earlier this year following WW’s reporting on the state of its surrounding sidewalks, the fentanyl market moved west, to Southwest 6th Avenue. Spurred by complaints, Mayor Ted Wheeler and the neighborhood association agreed in March 2022 to a crackdown, marked by an increased police presence and subtle streetscape shifts. The notorious wooden benches along Northwest 5th Avenue disappeared.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain. However, it is also a highly addictive drug that has been linked to numerous overdose deaths. Despite the dangers associated with fentanyl, there are still those who seek out this drug for various reasons. If you or someone you know is looking to buy fentanyl, it is important to understand the risks involved and where to find this drug safely.
How to Find and Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Online Pharmacies
FTS are commonly distributed by harm reduction organizations, with research indicating over 77% of syringe services programs offering them in 2019 [11]. However, these programs are often limited geographically, being largely concentrated in urban areas with less coverage in the South and Appalachia [12]. According to qualitative interviews with PWUD, there is a need to increase access to and awareness of FTS, with some users suggesting pharmacies as good locations to receive FTS [10]. End OverdoseThe organization provides training and tools to treat people who overdose and prevent death through education, medical intervention and public awareness. It sells packages of five fentanyl testing strips online for $7.99. Each package comes with a QR sticker that when scanned leads to directions on how to use the test strips.
One of the most common places where people attempt to buy fentanyl is through online pharmacies. While some online pharmacies may claim to sell legitimate medications, it is important to exercise caution when purchasing drugs online. Many illegitimate online pharmacies sell counterfeit or adulterated fentanyl, which can be extremely dangerous.
How do I respond to a fentanyl overdose?
- Community Overdose Prevention Education relies on implementing harm reduction strategies to help save lives.
- You can get fentanyl test strips for free at some community harm reduction centers.
- Since it is so much stronger, only a very small amount, such as a few grains, can be lethal.
- It is a lot easier to smuggle in a baggie of Fentanyl powder than kilogram bricks of other drugs for the same profit margin.
- A single colored line is a positive result, meaning fentanyl is present and you shouldn’t consume the drug.
Dark Web Markets
Results
For those looking to buy fentanyl without a prescription, the dark web can be a tempting option. Dark web markets operate on encrypted networks and allow users to buy and sell a variety of illegal goods, including drugs like fentanyl. However, buying drugs on the dark web comes with significant risks, including potential legal consequences and exposure to dangerous substances.
Street Dealers
If your drugs are laced with fentanyl, the fentanyl may not be distributed evenly throughout the supply. The test strips can also be used to test very small samples or even the residue of the supply. Carry naloxone, an over-the-counter nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Medical Waste
Another common source of fentanyl is through street dealers. While it may be easier to find fentanyl through a street dealer, the quality and purity of the drug can vary greatly. Street fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose and other health complications.
Medical Professionals
For those who legitimately need fentanyl for medical purposes, the safest and most reliable way to obtain this drug is through a licensed medical professional. Doctors can prescribe fentanyl for pain management under strict guidelines, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate dosage and monitoring for any adverse effects.
FAQs
U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Are Rising Fastest Among Black People
If used correctly, fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of the most common types of fentanyl in street drugs and pills. These strips can be a useful harm reduction tool for people who drugs. Fentanyl test strips may not be able to detect all forms of illicit fentanyl and they cannot tell you how much fentanyl may be present. There can also be false positives (showing that fentanyl is present when it really isn’t). The process of testing methamphetamine is different than testing opioids and uses more water. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is fueling the increase in drug overdoses in the U.S.
- Is it legal to buy fentanyl without a prescription?
- No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl without a prescription as it is a controlled substance.
- What are the risks of buying fentanyl from an online pharmacy?
- Buying fentanyl from an online pharmacy can lead to receiving counterfeit or adulterated drugs, which can be dangerous or even deadly.
- How can I spot a legitimate online pharmacy?
- Legitimate online pharmacies will require a valid prescription and will have a physical address and contact information listed on their website.
And if you test only a portion of the drugs, you can miss fentanyl in other parts of the supply. A rise in overdoses has prompted some drug users to make testing a party ritual. When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effect of opioids on the brain and restores breathing within two to eight minutes to prevent death. These strips only test for fentanyl and its analogs (similar chemicals derived from fentanyl). If you want to know exactly what’s in a drug, try a full reagent kit or send it to pill reports. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente.
Overall, buying fentanyl is a risky endeavor that can have serious consequences. It is important to prioritize your health and safety by seeking out legitimate sources of medication and avoiding illicit means of obtaining drugs. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to fentanyl, please seek help from a medical professional or addiction treatment center.
