No matter who you are, you’ve probably heard of the dark web. It’s often referenced in television shows and movies, referring to the illegal drug market that lies within it. On television and in movies, people are often shown getting drugs from these sources with ease, as if the dark web is something you can simply log in to and find drugs in a snap. In this article, we’ll go in-depth on the dark web and how it can be used to find drugs, as well as why those drugs are inherently more dangerous.
What is the Dark Web?
Many people often assume that the dark web is fictitious, only used in movies and television to show characters selling or buying drugs. However, the dark web is actually a real thing that exists in the real world, and it’s something that drug addicts can use to get drugs. However, it’s not as simple as it’s shown in the media. Accessing the dark web is actually very difficult, intentionally so. The dark web isn’t just a place for drug sales, it’s just a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines, and therefore doesn’t show up when googled for. That means that you cannot stumble upon it accidentally.
The dark web is also anonymous in nature, meaning everyone’s identities are hidden throughout. This poses even more danger, as you’ll never know who you’re actually talking to or buying from.
Certain types of software are often required in order to access the dark web, and you must have a certain web browser that allows you to do so. Microsoft, Firefox, and Google Chrome, for example, won’t allow you to access this portion of the internet.
What is “TOR”?
“TOR” or The Onion Router is a browser that allows you to protect your identity while surfing online. This is one of the browsers that allows you to access the dark web. TOR is used for many other things, other than just accessing the dark web. And, while there are many bad things on the dark web, there are some good things as well.
For example, some people use the dark web to buy drugs. However, two of the most famous hubs for drug sales, Silk Road and Alphabay, have been shut down. That doesn’t mean there aren’t other methods, because there definitely are. However, that doesn’t mean you should go looking, and we’ll get into the why next.
Why is Buying Drugs on the Dark Web Dangerous?
If you’re a drug addict, you may feel like you always need to know where your next dose is going to come from. You might feel like you can’t survive the day without getting your fix, and for some, that feeling is absolutely crippling. Using the dark web may seem like a good way to get drugs to your door without having to deal with sketchy drug dealers, but it’s honestly a much worse option.
Drugs from the dark web are known for being much more dangerous than drugs found on the street. This is because there’s no reputation or word of mouth, and you have no idea who you’re buying from when you make a purchase. On the street, drug dealers often get a reputation for being trustworthy or having good products. However, when you’re waist-deep in addiction, it may not seem like that big of a deal.
However, by making a purchase from a drug dealer on the dark web, you could get yourself killed. You never know what’s in these substances, and they might be cut with harmful toxins or fentanyl, which is lethal in large doses. Taking any unknown drugs is dangerous, but even more so when they come from the dark web.
Drugs are More Expensive on the Dark Web
Not only are drugs more dangerous on the dark web, but they’re also more expensive. Dealers charge more for their drugs here because they seem to be assuming less of a risk. Because their identity is anonymous, they don’t believe they’re at as much of a risk as they would be selling face to face.
Not only that, but you’ll also have to wait a longer period of time to get your drugs delivered to you in the mail. For people looking to get a quick fix for their withdrawal symptoms, this isn’t the answer. Drugs are more expensive, take longer to arrive, and are overall more dangerous. If you really need to avoid withdrawal symptoms, it’s much safer to get drugs from the street. However, neither are particularly safe options and seeking treatment is the best option of them all.
You Could Get Arrested for Buying from the Illegal Drug Market
On top of all that, buying drugs from the dark web can get you arrested. By buying drugs on the dark web, you’re assuming all of the risks of federal drug trafficking charges. On many occasions, the Drug Enforcement Agency has been known to show up on people’s doorsteps after they’ve ordered a package.
Because most of these packages are shipped across the ocean or over borders, they’re almost always inspected. If drugs are discovered during the inspection process, you could be charged with a felony. It’s just not worth it to purchase drugs from the dark web. There are so many potential consequences and it’s overall more effort than getting them off the street. If you think it’s safer because of the anonymity, you’re wrong.
Seek Treatment for Drug Addiction
If you or someone you love is thinking about using the illegal drug market to get drugs to fuel their addiction, it’s time to start thinking about treatment. Here at Asheville Recovery Center, we focus on helping our patients get and stay sober. By teaching healthy coping mechanisms, trigger reduction, and more, we’re able to help our patients avoid relapse. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you, give us a call today.
