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Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
Think of your drug as the cookie and fentanyl as the chocolate chips. A pinch of heroin from one side of a baggie might contain no fentanyl at all, while a spot on the other side might contain a fatal dose. This also applies to pressed tablets, part of a tablet could contain fentanyl while another part has none. It’s safest, therefore, to test the entire dose you intend to consume, and crush entire tablets to be sure nothing is potentially missed.
Fentanyl test strips are essential tools for anyone concerned about the presence of fentanyl in substances. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that can be deadly even in small amounts, making the use of these test strips a vital safety measure.
- Delaware operates a mail order program where residents can order 10 free test strips.
- But a growing number of health and public policy experts are supporting their use along with other harm-reduction strategies.
- Fentanyl test strips are an important tool for identifying fentanyl in a pill or powder, which can help prevent an opioid-involved overdose.
- Given these results, FTS should be explored as an additional means of preventing opioid overdose used in tandem with other harm reduction measures, such as naloxone distribution and overdose education.
Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?
Fentanyl test strips serve a crucial purpose:
- They provide a quick and easy way to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl.
- Using these strips can help users make informed decisions about their drug consumption.
- They contribute to harm reduction strategies aimed at preventing overdoses.
We found a high willingness to use take-home rapid fentanyl test strips among young people who use drugs and are at risk for accidental fentanyl overdose. Initial results suggest that rapid fentanyl test strips may be an acceptable harm reduction intervention for communities facing growing rates of fentanyl overdoses. Study follow-up is ongoing to determine whether, how, and under what circumstances participants used these rapid test strips and if positive test results contribute to positive changes in overdose risk behavior. Beginning in May 2017, we recruited participants from the 2015 RAPIDS study, 61% of whom previously agreed to be contacted for future research studies. The eligibility criteria for RAPIDS included being aged 18 to 29, residing in Rhode Island, not currently being in alcohol or substance abuse treatment programs, and reporting past 30-day non-medical use of prescription opioids. From May to September 2017, we recruited additional young adults who use drugs in Rhode Island through internet advertisements (e.g., Craigslist and Reddit), digital bus advertisements, public canvassing, and word of mouth.
In the most severe cases, an individual may not be able to breathe at all. Our FentKits are the complete package for quick and easy fentanyl testing. No need to buy a milligram scale, containers to test in, or any measuring equipment. 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. Be sure they don’t aspirate (inhale) the vomit by putting them in the recovery position if they’re unconscious.
Over 107,000 Americans died of a drug-related overdose last year, but payers have yet to step up to boost access to lifesaving treatment. Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has also prepared an online fentanyl test strip training, please view below. If you’re using pills, you’ll need to crush a pill on a clean surface before dissolving it in 1 tablespoon of water. If you plan to use IV drugs, prepare the shot, set the needle aside, and add about one-fifth teaspoon of water to the spoon/cooker with the drug. When you use an illegal drug, there’s no guarantee that it contains what the dealer or person who gave it to you says it does. The only way to know if a drug has been contaminated with it is to test it.
Another adaptation requested the creation of trainings, materials, and kit instructions in other languages, especially Spanish. After the pilot end, Spanish language materials and videos were created for dissemination. And the stuff they were getting, they kept assuming it had fentanyl in it, but they weren’t 100% sure. Here, participants describe how they would use an initial smaller dose of the drug they tested, a “test shot,” in reaction to a positive FTS result. Though this participant was not using drugs during the study period, she advised a friend who was using drugs to go slower because of the positive FTS.
Drugs mixed with fentanyl are the leading cause of overdose deaths in Wisconsin. Fentanyl, which is 50 times as potent as heroin, laces many batches of heroin and cocaine, and it is now involved in at least half of all opioid overdose deaths. More than 70,000 people died of drug overdoses last year—the equivalent of about three 747 plane crashes each week. Act 111, which amends the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of 1972 to no longer define fentanyl test strips as drug paraphernalia, took effect Monday. Under the new law, people in Pennsylvania who buy or carry fentanyl testing strips will no longer face potential criminal charges for possession of drug paraphernalia.
If you know or think someone is struggling with addiction, ask them if you can help. Your concern might be just what they need to start their recovery journey, and your support could make all the difference in their success. South Dakota just launched a marketing campaign to encourage the community to fight meth, but its slogan has drawn nationwide mockery on social media. We give one kit per person and cannot give out large quantities to individuals.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
If you’re looking for where to buy fentanyl test strips, consider the following options:
1. Local Pharmacies
Many local pharmacies now stock fentanyl test strips as part of their commitment to community health. Visit your neighborhood pharmacy and ask the pharmacist about their availability.
2. Online Retailers
Several reputable online platforms offer the option to purchase fentanyl test strips. Here are some popular choices:
3. Harm Reduction Organizations
Various harm reduction organizations provide fentanyl test strips for free or at a discounted rate. These organizations aim to reduce the risk of overdose in urban and rural communities. Look for local groups and reach out to them for resources.
4. Community Health Centers
Community health centers often distribute fentanyl test strips as part of their overdose prevention programs. Visiting these centers can provide not only test strips but also education on safe drug use.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Using fentanyl test strips is straightforward. Follow these general steps:
- Prepare a small amount of the substance you want to test.
- Mix the substance with water according to the test strip instructions.
- Dip the test strip into the solution and wait for the specified time.
- Compare the results to the provided guide to determine the presence of fentanyl.
FAQs
1. Are Fentanyl Test Strips Legal?
Yes, in many places, fentanyl test strips are legal to sell, buy, and use as part of harm reduction efforts.
2. Can I Trust the Results?
While fentanyl test strips are effective tools, they are not 100% foolproof. It’s advisable to use them in conjunction with other safety measures.
3. What Should I Do if Fentanyl is Detected?
If the test strips indicate the presence of fentanyl, it is crucial to reconsider using the substance and take appropriate harm reduction measures, such as having naloxone on hand.
4. Where Can I Get More Information?
For more information on fentanyl test strips and harm reduction, consider visiting local health department websites or national organizations focused on drug safety.
Conclusion
Knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips and understanding their use can be life-saving. By being proactive and informed, you can reduce risks and enhance safety when it comes to drug consumption.
