Company
Drug dealers don’t tend to ask for identification, and none of the drug-related content encountered in TTP’s investigation had any age restrictions. Now, with Instagram’s chief executive Adam Mosseri set to testify before a Senate panel this week about the platform’s harms to children, TTP’s new research is highlighting another way Instagram can endanger kids—by providing a pipeline to illicit drugs. Pooling money for a pickup was mutually beneficial, both from an economic perspective as the people putting in money would receive a better deal, and because assisting with these transactions helped sustain and cement social relationships. There is also risk involved in providing this help due to criminalization. These helping behaviors are complex, as they comprise elements of assisting others to procure drugs and self-interest in acquiring free drugs.
- After the deal is made, buyers send payment through apps such as Venmo, Paypal, or using cryptocurrencies.
- 1Williams et al. (1992) delineated several strategies developed to protect the personal safety of ethnographers, research staff, potential subjects, and other persons in the crack selling environment.
- Validating these acts of mutual aid as practices of care opens the possibility of integrating interventions around drug selling into harm reduction programming.
- Some websites are legitimate online pharmacies, while others may be operating illegally.
- Drug interactions often occur on school grounds, where teens sell drugs to their peers.
Understanding the Risks: How to Buy Drugs
Or, if it’s coming from another country, it could be stopped at the border by Canadian authorities. The FDA is trying to stop the flow of illegal ED drugs, but these medicines still show up on the internet. We often have adults tell us that they have attended the social media & drugs course, both as a professional and parent. Concerns are raised and questions asked how they can best protect their young people. We talk about apps that you can download for the sole purpose of monitoring the activity on a young persons phone.
Engaging in illicit drug purchase is a serious offense with significant legal and health implications. Before considering any actions, it’s essential to understand the risks involved.
The Legal Implications
Buying drugs can lead to severe legal consequences, including:
- Arrest: Possession and dealing can result in criminal charges.
- Fines: Legal penalties often include substantial financial repercussions.
- Imprisonment: Serious charges may lead to incarceration.
Even though some dealers make a substantial amount of money for awhile, their opportunities and living standards remain linked to the bottom of the American system of stratification. Most dealers find it difficult and next to impossible to move beyond their underclass status. In such circumstances, showing “respect” for them as persons is important in part because the ethnographer is likely to be the only conventional and “straight” person to do so. This framework of favors, trust, and the lack of trust among dealers provides the basis for the ethnographer to gain a proper introduction to dealers. But if not handled properly, finding the right person to function in may occasionally participate in the conversation, the focus for the ethnographer is the respondent’s replies and questions. Generally, after the potential dealer-subject meets, converses, and feels comfortable with the ethnographer, the go-between likely will not attend future meetings.
According to surveys, 81 percent of teens use Instagram and 77 percent of teens use Snapchat—a susceptible community for social media drug dealers. Any pharmacy can break regulations protecting consumers from dangerous drugs, but online pharmacies are far more likely to do so. In fact, a recent review by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) found that a staggering 97 percent of these websites violate pharmacy laws and practice standards. Prosecuting those that violate the law can be difficult, as online sellers of drugs may evade authorities by either concealing their location or moving it outside the U.S. Likewise, consumers who use these websites engage in a high-risk behavior, often knowing that some online pharmacies break laws but choosing to shop anyway.
Drug selling hierarchies limited low-level distributors and workers to specific roles and denied them access. Popeye illustrates some of the many difficulties in locating and developing rapport with crack users. The failure to meet with the ethnographer again, and to not keep appointments is a chronic and continuing behavior pattern evidenced by many crack users. Crack users are generally “hustling” and looking for a quick way to make money or gain food, but promises of future cooperation and assistance are often not met.
For example, a compounding pharmacy, a type of pharmacy specializing in individually tailored medicine, recently made headlines for manufacturing and distributing contaminated steroid injections that had not been approved by the FDA. These incidents are limited to a particular kind of pharmacy practice, however, and most traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies abide by the applicable laws and sell FDA-approved products made by registered drug manufacturers. If you suspect that your teen has a drug problem or an addiction, professional intervention may be required.
Drug sales on the dark web now amount to 315 million dollars annually, up from 80 million dollars annually just in 2017. Unfortunately, despite continued congressional focus on this issue, lives have already been lost. The stories of Charlie Ternan and Sam Berman should be a warning to those considering purchasing drugs online to beware of what they are being sold, even as unassuming or benign it may appear. However, even more importantly, these stories should be a wake-up call for social media companies that there is an urgent need to implement safety measures to ensure their platforms do not become vehicles for the illegal sale of medications to unsuspecting consumers.
Health Risks
Illicit drug use poses various health hazards, such as:
- Addiction: Many drugs are highly addictive.
- Overdose: The risk of overdose is significant, leading to fatal consequences.
- Mental Health Issues: Drug use can exacerbate existing mental health problems.
Considering Alternatives: Support and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, it’s crucial to seek help. Here are some alternatives:
- Rehabilitation Programs: Many organizations offer support for addiction recovery.
- Counseling Services: Speaking with a professional can provide coping mechanisms.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others facing similar challenges can be beneficial.
FAQs
Is it safe to buy drugs online?
No, purchasing drugs online is extremely risky. It can expose you to fake products, scams, and legal issues.
What should I do if someone I know is buying drugs?
Encourage them to seek help and provide support to connect them with professional resources.
Are there any legal alternatives to get help with drug addiction?
Yes, there are numerous legal options available, including therapy, rehab facilities, and community resources.
Conclusion
Understanding how to buy drugs encompasses not just the method but also the substantial risks and consequences associated with drug use. Focusing on positive life choices and seeking necessary help can lead to healthier, safer outcomes.
