Additional Services At The Center
Certified providers can order up to 1,200 fentanyl test strips and up to 600 xylazine test strips or set up a naloxone ordering account using the provider and individual request form. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat the most severe pain. While all opioids can be deadly, fentanyl is especially dangerous because it is so strong—much stronger than heroin or morphine. Several months into the program, we can see how lowering barriers to harm reduction supplies can be an avenue to help engage people who are at risk for overdose and connect them to supports. Too many people in Wisconsin are using opioids, then getting behind the wheel and endangering themselves, their passengers, and other motorists. Drugged driving deaths in Wisconsin have increased nearly 200% in the last 10 years.
Understanding Fentanyl
Grace Deng joined the Washington State Standard shortly after graduating from Northwestern University in June 2023. Grace, who currently lives in Tacoma, is a local Washingtonian who was born and raised in Snohomish County. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics. Below is a lethal dose of heroin compared with lethal doses of carfentanil and fentanyl.
Learn how to stay safe with fentanyl with these shareable infographics, available in English, Español, and Português. Ashley Perry, Intervention Case Manager from Project Weber/RENEW, explains how to use a fentanyl test strip. This blog is provided for general informational purposes only. By using the blog, you agree that the information on this blog does not constitute legal, financial or any other form of professional advice.
There are a few ways to test for fentanyl in a drug sample, but the easiest (and only do-it-yourself) option is to use a test strip. Fentanyl mixed (adulterated) with xylazine has been declared an emerging drug threat (link) by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. Learn how to respond in the event of an overdose and support a loved one in crisis. A new program called Meds First allows people to get MOUD right away. Our staff can deliver care on the spot to those who use the Tacoma Needle Exchange van in our parking lot. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets containing fentanyl kill thousands of people every year, and they can look exactly like the real ones. There is no way to know whether illicitly-purchased pharmaceuticals contain fentanyl without testing them first. Arda is a Senior Crypto Threat Analyst at Elliptic with a focus on crypto-based terrorist financing, dark web vendors, NFTs and DeFi-related crime. He is also a PhD researcher and guest lecturer at the Dawes Centre for Future Crime at University College London (UCL), focusing on the money laundering and terrorist financing risks of emerging technologies. He has advised numerous international organizations, public and private sector entities on future crime issues. We also routinely track dark web markets for additional risk factors, such as the trade in fentanyl and firearms.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is primarily used for pain management in medical settings, especially for patients with severe chronic pain or after surgery. It is many times more potent than morphine and poses significant risks, including the potential for overdose and addiction.
Employers could also use fentanyl testing strips to test their employees for drug use, particularly in industries where safety is a concern. Drug dealers and suppliers often cut illicit drugs with substances like fentanyl to increase potency and profit margins. This has created a dangerous and unpredictable drug market in Texas, where individuals unknowingly risk their lives every time they use drugs.
If you inject drugs, you should try to test every time you inject. The easiest method is to test the residue from your spoon or cooker. You can use a micro scoop and a bottle cap to test a portion of your drugs. A standard plastic bottle cap holds approximately one teaspoon (5 ml) of water when almost full. The Elliptic Investigator graphs shown above underscore these capabilities – allowing any associations between dark web markets or vendors with fentanyl suppliers to be unearthed with ease. This emphasizes how, in this instance, the transparency of cryptoassets can be used to identify activity that illicit actors may have gone to great lengths to conceal.
Risks Associated with Fentanyl
Due to its potency, fentanyl has a high risk of misuse. Here are some of the main risks:
- Overdose can occur with even a small amount.
- It can lead to respiratory depression, which can be fatal.
- High potential for addiction and dependence.
- Street versions may be mixed with other illicit drugs, increasing danger.
Where Fentanyl is Commonly Found
Fentanyl is generally available through legitimate medical sources, but it is also found illicitly in various forms:
- Pills
- Transdermal patches
- Powder form
- Laced with other drugs like heroin or cocaine
Legal Acquisition of Fentanyl
Legally, fentanyl can only be obtained through a prescription from a healthcare professional. The following steps are usually involved:
- Consult with a healthcare provider about your medical condition.
- If appropriate, the healthcare provider may write you a prescription.
- Fill the prescription at a licensed pharmacy.
Illicit Acquisition of Fentanyl
While discussions about how can I buy fentanyl often pertain to its illegal acquisition, it is important to emphasize that purchasing or using fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Illicit sources often include:
- Illegal online pharmacies
- Street dealers
- On the dark web
FAQs about Fentanyl
1. What should I do if someone overdoses on fentanyl?
Call emergency services immediately. Administer naloxone if available, as it can reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
2. Is fentanyl safe to use if prescribed?
When used as directed by a healthcare provider, fentanyl can be safe, but it always carries risks. Regular monitoring by a physician is crucial.
3. What are the signs of fentanyl addiction?
Signs may include:
- Increasing tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Using fentanyl in higher doses than prescribed
- Neglecting responsibilities due to drug use
4. How can I safely dispose of unused fentanyl?
Follow local disposal guidelines. Many pharmacies offer take-back programs, or consult your local waste management for safe disposal methods.
- However, fentanyl test strips are not legal in every state.
- Opioid withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, so it’s best to stop using them under supervised care.
- Until recently, fentanyl was mostly only a problem on the East Coast.
Conclusion
Understanding fentanyl is crucial due to its high potential for misuse and overdose. Always prioritize legal and safe methods of acquisition under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
