Do People Buy Fentanyl? An In-Depth Look

Now fentanyl production is distributed, with no single critical lab. Data are not available because data collection is still in progress for this study. This same participant said he had tried fentanyl intentionally one time and strongly disliked the experience. In his words, “It was like being dead.” He reported being “out of it” for hours and he said he was grateful that he had been with friends he trusted to protect him. To combat it, Besser says people should educate themselves on the signs, like emoji sellers and buyer usage. He also said it’s important for parents to communicate with their children.

General Harm Reduction Mess​aging

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 or to manage pain after surgery. However, in recent years, fentanyl has become a major player in the illegal drug market, leading to a significant increase in overdose deaths.

To buy his fentanyl, the man uses “darknet” sites, which are unlisted on search engines, rely on a special private browser for access, and don’t tie his username to his identity. He says most of the sites on the regular internet, which the Senate report focused how to get into the dark web on, are scams in which dealers will take money and fail to deliver. (The Senate investigators did not actually make any purchases.) Or, these so-called “clearnet” sites lead to arrests. According to the report, most of this fentanyl originates in China.

What Is Fentanyl?

The availability of black-market fentanyl and fentanyl analogs led to a U.S. opioid epidemic that continues to cause thousands of overdose deaths each year and destroy families and communities in the process. A lethal dose of carfentanyl, a fentanyl analog, is about the size of the head of a pin, requiring the full protection of hazmat suits. Some black-market drug makers create new fentanyl analogs to avoid classification sites on dark web as illegal, get around policy restrictions on manufacturing, and evade detection in standard drug tests. It can be difficult to determine if pills were legally produced for pharmaceutical distribution or illegally produced for illegal drug sales. Counterfeit prescription medications, such as a fentanyl-laced Xany-bar or counterfeit Xanax, were reportedly made at a “pill mill” or illegal pill press.

If your provider doesn’t prescribe it, you can ask them for a prescription. A natural category of opioid, called opiates, are made from the opium poppy plant. There are also newer opioids that are synthetic – drugs like fentanyl and methadone. These are not made from the poppy plant, and they are often more potent. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of U.S. deaths involving opioids surpassed 80,400 in 2021. Someone may be buying what they think is cocaine or a benzodiazepine pill, but there could be small amounts of fentanyl present.

• Unlike in years past, the vast majority of wholesale drug transactions involving fentanyl are online.
• Prescription fentanyl is dosed in micrograms, designated by the abbreviation “mcg”.
• Naloxone is an FDA-approved medication that can be used to temporarily reverse opioid overdoses.
• However, in week 4 of the study, a participant screened positive for fentanyl without having endorsed its use by self-report.

The Illicit Use of Fentanyl

How Do People Use Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine to increase their potency. This is especially dangerous because many drug users are unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl, which can lead to accidental overdoses. In fact, fentanyl was involved in more than 50% of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2017.

Why Do People Buy Fentanyl?

There are a few reasons why people buy fentanyl on the illegal market. Some people may be seeking a more intense high, while others may be trying to self-medicate for pain or anxiety. However, the risks associated with buying and using fentanyl far outweigh any potential benefits.

• Overdose: Fentanyl is extremely potent, and even a small amount can cause an overdose. In fact, just a few grains of fentanyl can be lethal.
• Addiction: Fentanyl is highly addictive, and long-term what darknet markets are open use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
• Contamination: Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, which can lead to unpredictable effects and contamination.

FAQs About Buying Fentanyl

Is it legal to buy fentanyl online?

No, it is not legal to buy fentanyl online. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is only available by prescription. Buying fentanyl online is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including jail time.

Can I buy fentanyl from a pharmacy without a prescription?

No, you cannot buy fentanyl from a pharmacy without a prescription. Fentanyl is a prescription medication that is only available with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Is it safe to buy fentanyl on the illegal market?

No, it is not safe to buy fentanyl on the illegal market. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, which can lead to unpredictable effects and contamination. Additionally, buying fentanyl on the illegal market can lead to criminal charges and jail time.

Conclusion

Fentanyl is a powerful and dangerous drug that should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Buying fentanyl on the illegal market is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please seek professional help.