Abstract
This study aims to better understand the motivations of Australian police detainees who use non-prescribed fentanyl. Respondents who had used non-prescription fentanyl (n=44) began using it to achieve intoxication, or to reduce physical pain, mental distress or the symptoms of withdrawal from other drugs. Some had also used fentanyl as a more potent substitute for other drugs. Although detainees rated the risks of fentanyl overdose and dependence as high, these risks were not the main deterrents to fentanyl use.