Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips

That is incredibly risky and puts them at great risk of overdose. The inexpensive strips have been embraced by treatment organizations as a way to reduce harms from illicit drug use. Nearly 40 states have legalized their use, according to the Network for Public Health Law. The Gazette spoke with Sarah Wakeman, the senior medical director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham about the legal shift over use of the products. Fentanyl is to blame for 146 deaths in Vermont since 2016, when it overtook heroin and prescription painkillers as the most deadly opioid in the state. The potent synthetic has already killed 30 people in Vermont in 2018, more than heroin and prescription opioids combined, according to state data.

Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl overdoses and deaths have increased over the past few years. Most people don’t know it is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. After the first round of data came in and this under representation was noted, Homeless Youth Alliance increased their testing efforts in the Haight. Finally, participants were asked a number of questions at follow-up to ascertain the feasibility, acceptability, and willingness to continue to use the strip tests. These questions included “I feel confident in my ability to read the results of the fentanyl testing strips”, “It would be easy to continue to use the fentanyl rapid tests”, and “I would like to use fentanyl rapid tests in the future”. Response options were offered on a four-point Likert scale but were recoded as “agree” or “disagree/neutral”.

Since then, law enforcement seizures of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have grown dramatically in Oregon. The amount of seized fentanyl in Oregon’s high intensity drug trafficking areas (HIDTA) increased from 690 dosage units (counterfeit pills) in 2018 to more than 2 million in 2022. Fentanyl has now surpassed methamphetamine as the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon. Opioid overdose deaths are increasing at a devastating rate and many point to fentanyl alone as the culprit.

Implications for overdose prevention and initiating treatment with medications for opioid use disorder are described. In 2020, over 80% of the fentanyl police confiscated with in tablet form. Police evidence that looked like black tar heroin actually was heroin in 95% of cases, suggesting that fentanyl was rarely in “heroin” in 2020. Young adults reported high uptake and acceptability of fentanyl test strips to detect IMF in illicit drugs. There are several different types of test strips and public health agencies instruct people who use drugs. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department), CDC, and California Department of Public Health offer guidance on how to use fentanyl test strips.

The tests also check for many variations of fentanyl known as analogs. Being aware if fentanyl is present allows people to implement appropriate harm reduction strategies to reduce the risk of an overdose. It is not possible to give so much naloxone so as to harm a person. However, if a person is dependent on opioids (including people without substance use disorders, but on chronic pain medication) or has a habit, the more naloxone they get, the more uncomfortable they will be because of withdrawal symptoms.

• They can be used to test drugs for traces of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, allowing a person using drugs to know what they are putting into their body, and take the proper steps to prevent an overdose.
• In addition to distributing these supplies at pop-ups and community events listed on our events page, there are a few ways you can get naloxone and test strips to prevent a fatal overdose in your community.
• Education about and access to harm-reduction materials like Fentanyl test strips change the behaviors of people who use drugs, therefore reducing risk.
• Naloxone’s effects are temporary, so it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately after it is administered.
• Here are a few recommendations so you can be in control of your experience.

Fentanyl test strips are a vital resource for individuals who may come into contact with fentanyl, an extremely potent synthetic opioid. As fentanyl has become increasingly prevalent in the drug supply, these test strips provide a means to identify its presence in various substances.

This could prove to be true in Rhode Island where participants noted that fentanyl contamination is likely. Ultimately, future research is needed to evaluate FTS interventions to understand how FTS may contribute to behavior change among young adults. Commercially available rapid test strips are able to detect fentanyl, related analogues, and their metabolites in urine (BTNX, 2018).

It costs Jess Tilley $1 to purchase a fentanyl test strip—a small sum, until you consider that she’s buying them by the hundreds. “If you had a little bit of the drug you could pop in here…you would add a little bit of water… and then you use this test strip, hold it in, and if there was fentanyl present, two red lines or pink lines would appear,” says Mark Townsend. Any drug not prescribed by a licensed pharmacy could contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. This project was supported by a research seed grant from the Office of the Vice President of Research at Brown University to Brandon D.L. Marshall, PhD. The funders had no role in study design, data analysis, or decision to publish.

The growing concern over opioid overdoses has prompted discussions about harm reduction strategies, and fentanyl test strips are a part of this approach. They can help users make informed decisions regarding their safety when using drugs.

Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?

If you’re wondering where can I buy fentanyl test strips, there are several options available:

• Online Retailers: Numerous online platforms offer fentanyl test strips, allowing for discreet purchasing. Websites like:
• Amazon
• eBay
• Harm reduction organization sites

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• Local Pharmacies: Many pharmacies are beginning to stock harm reduction supplies, including fentanyl test strips. Check with major pharmacies like:
• CVS
• Walgreens
• Health Departments: Some local health departments distribute these strips for free as part of their overdose prevention programs. Contact your local health office to ask about availability.
• Harm Reduction Organizations: Nonprofit organizations focused on addiction and overdose prevention often provide free fentanyl test strips. This can include local needle exchange programs or community health initiatives.

How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips

Using fentanyl test strips is straightforward, but it is essential to follow the instructions carefully:

1. Preparation: Gather the sample you wish to test and ensure the test strip is clean and dry.
2. Mixing the Sample: Dissolve a small amount of the substance in water to create a solution.
3. Testing: Dip the fentanyl test strip into the solution for the indicated time.
4. Interpreting Results: Wait for the allocated time, then check the strip for results based on the instructions provided.

Benefits of Fentanyl Test Strips

The utilization of fentanyl test strips provides several benefits:

• Prevention of Overdose: By detecting fentanyl, users can avoid consuming high-risk substances.
• Empowering Users: Providing information allows users to make safer decisions regarding drug use.
• Harm Reduction: They are part of broader harm reduction strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences of drug use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fentanyl test strips legal?

Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in most states, but regulations may vary. It’s essential to check local laws regarding their use and distribution.

How accurate are fentanyl test strips?

Fentanyl test strips are designed to detect the presence of fentanyl; however, their accuracy can depend on various factors, including the quality of the sample and the presence of other substances.

Can I rely solely on fentanyl test strips for safety?

While they are a valuable tool for risk reduction, they should not be the only measure taken. Users should consider multiple harm reduction practices, such as using them in conjunction with naloxone and seeking support for substance use issues.

Conclusion

Knowing where can I buy fentanyl test strips is only the beginning of promoting safety among individuals at risk for opioid overdose. By utilizing these strips and engaging in harm reduction practices, users can significantly enhance their safety and well-being when navigating a dangerous drug environment.