Artist’s Death Spotlights Peril Posed By Xylazine-fentanyl Mix
- Think of your drug as the cookie and fentanyl as the chocolate chips.
- Counties that have greater access to naloxone have lower rates of overdose death, and that’s been shown here in Massachusetts.
- Right now, we exist in an era where the illicit drug supply in this country is unregulated, contaminated, and often poisonous.
- You can request that free naloxone and test strips be mailed discreetly to your home after taking a brief online training.
- Dr. Susan Sherman and Dr. Traci Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV.
I’ve had a few people who quit using stimulants after using testing strips because they could not get any drugs that didn’t have fentanyl; their drugs were always testing positive for fentanyl. More than 80 per cent of drugs sold as heroin on the streets of Vancouver don’t contain any heroin at all, while nearly all of them contain the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. Xylazine test strips (XTS) are small strips of paper that can be placed within a personal sample of drugs to detect the presence of xylazine. Such strips may be used to inform decisions about drug use practices; for example, upon receiving a positive test result, an individual may opt to not use the drugs or use them in a less risky manner. Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping.
Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips are essential tools for detecting the presence of fentanyl in substances. These strips play a crucial role in harm reduction, especially in areas where fentanyl contamination is a growing concern.
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. SHOP has drop-in info sessions at the Student Health Center with the Party Safe Team. Drop-in for a 15 minute session to learn how to use Narcan & Fentanyl Test Strips and get your questions answered.
What are Fentanyl Test Strips?
Fentanyl test strips are simple, user-friendly devices that allow individuals to check for the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They work by testing a small sample of the substance in question and providing results within minutes.
When implemented effectively, harm reduction interventions can reduce the rate of fatal opioid overdoses among people who use drugs [14, 15]. Communities with OEND programs have shown greater reductions in overdose mortality compared to those without such programs [16, 17]. Moreover, the distribution of naloxone to laypersons has been found to be cost-effective [16, 17, 19]. However, due to the increased and varying potency of fentanyl and related analogs, naloxone doses previously adequate to reverse an opioid overdose may not be consistently sufficient [20].
A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is often carefully prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain in people living with cancer, recovering from surgery or who are terminally ill. However, most fentanyl-involved deaths are due to illicitly made fentanyl, and a small amount is enough to cause an overdose. California has set aside $4 million to distribute fentanyl testing strips as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1 billion overall plan to address the crisis. Fentanyl is commonly mixed with other drugs and is more than 50 times more powerful than heroin. It is odorless and tasteless, making detection nearly impossible without specialized equipment. The vast majority of U.S. drug overdoses last year were from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, according to the U.S.
Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?
There are several reasons to consider using these test strips:
- Harm Reduction: They help reduce the risk of overdose by enabling users to make informed decisions about the substances they are consuming.
- Awareness: Knowing if fentanyl is present can empower individuals to seek further help or choose safer alternatives.
- Accessibility: Fentanyl test strips are increasingly recognized as vital tools in combating the opioid crisis.
It can be found in the illicit drug market and is being mixed with other illicitly manufactured opioids like heroin, in pressed pills, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamines to increase their potency. Because of how potent it is, it can significantly increase the risk of overdose. These findings provide important perspectives on the use of FTS among young adults who use drugs. Given the high level of acceptability and behavioral changes reported by study participants, FTS may be a useful harm reduction intervention to reduce fentanyl overdose risk among this population. In the first two months of this pilot, test results were overwhelmingly positive (78.8 percent). After we addressed these issues, providers began recording more negative results on-site,though they still were not receiving report backs from program participants unless results were positive.
Fentanyl test strips are dipped into drug residue dissolved in water. Within minutes, a person can know whether the drug contains fentanyl. A tiny amount – as little as two grains of salt – is enough to kill someone. With information from the test, a person can take steps to reduce their risk of an overdose. In Wisconsin, fentanyl is present in many drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, as well as pills made to resemble prescription medications. Because fentanyl is unable to be detected by sight, taste, smell, or touch, people taking drugs not purchased from a licensed pharmacy should always use fentanyl test strips.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Finding a reliable source for fentanyl test strips is crucial for ensuring quality and effectiveness. Here are some places to consider:
1. Online Retailers
Many online platforms offer fentanyl test strips for purchase:
- Amazon
- eBay
- Specialized harm reduction websites
2. Local Pharmacies
Some local pharmacies may carry fentanyl test strips. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm availability.
3. Health Clinics and Organizations
Several nonprofit organizations and health clinics that focus on addiction and harm reduction may provide fentanyl test strips for free or at a low cost. Consider reaching out to:
- Local public health departments
- Addiction treatment facilities
- Harm reduction organizations
4. Outreach Programs
Various community outreach programs distribute fentanyl test strips to at-risk populations. These programs often include education on how to use the strips effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I use fentanyl test strips?
Using fentanyl test strips is straightforward. Simply follow the instructions that come with the package, which usually involves dissolving a small sample of the substance in a liquid and dipping the strip into it.
2. Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Yes, in many places, fentanyl test strips are legal to possess and use. However, it’s important to check local laws, as regulations can vary.
3. Can fentanyl test strips detect all opioids?
No, fentanyl test strips specifically test for the presence of fentanyl. They may not detect other opioids or adulterants present in the substance.
4. What should I do if fentanyl is detected?
If a test strip indicates the presence of fentanyl, it is crucial to proceed with caution. Consider seeking support from a health professional or harm reduction program.
Conclusion
Knowing where to buy fentanyl test strips is an important step in ensuring safety and reducing the risks associated with opioid use. By utilizing these tools, individuals can take proactive measures towards protecting themselves and their communities from the dangers of fentanyl overdose.