As we continue to fight the good fight against opioids, our friends across the Pacific in Australia are also struggling to overcome a horde of opioid-related problems, but, as it turns out, the fight against drugs may have taken a darker turn (literally). Recently, a team of Australian researchers horrifyingly discovered that drug dealers are selling illegal fentanyl on the Internet, specifically on the Dark Web and only accessible via special routers. Now, a market shaped after eBay has started producing shipments of this dangerous opioid, and Australian officials are rightfully frightened. Let’s take a closer look at the terrifying reality of fentanyl sales on the Internet in Australia.
Underground Network
Sales of fentanyl on the Internet are nothing new to Australian officials, says ANU professor Robert Roderic Broadhurst. Groups like Silk Road have been popping up since 2011 and many stores put on a fake front similar to the style of Amazon or eBay. What makes the Dark Web such a notoriously dangerous place is the fact that these traffickers can block out IP addresses of users, making the trail much harder for law enforcement to sniff out. Even more unnerving, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin have made it easier for people to conduct online business.
Not Just Fentanyl
So what could make this situation any worse? Broadhurst explains that teams have not just uncovered clusters of fentanyl but have also discovered shipments of an even nastier drug: carfentanil. A more potent form of fentanyl, this drug is 10,000 to 100,000 times more potent than morphine. Even worse, both of these drugs are incredibly cheap and, as a result, highly convenient for drug dealers.
Mark Ferry, chief operating officer of the Noffs Foundation, has voiced his concern over this recent bit of news. He and many medical professionals are terrified that Australia could face the same level of opioid-related destruction as Canada and the United States. We can only pray they are wrong.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder is easily one of the most terrifying substance use disorders on the planet, mostly because opioid addiction partially stems from a large number of drugs that are legally regulated by the federal government. For decades, our country has suffered beneath the weight of dangerous synthetics and legal painkillers, and millions of Americans have suffered from addiction throughout the 20 years the crisis has been brewing. However, you can make the right decision by taking a stand against your addiction and regaining your health and happiness.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of opioid withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
