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Harm Reduction In The News
SB 174 also increases criminal penalties for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl and for committing battery against a healthcare provider. A small amount of the heroin, cocaine or other substance one wishes to test, about the size of half a grain of rice, is dissolved in as little as 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of water. The amount of water needed depends on the specific drug being tested. It must be introduced into the bloodstream or a mucus membrane in order for someone to feel the effects.
A test consists of a little white rectangle that you dip into a liquid substance that contains a drug, and it will test for whether fentanyl is present or not. You lay it flat, and — like a pregnancy test or like a COVID test — after two to five minutes, it will show results. In one study of 242 heroin users in British Columbia, 70 tested positive for fentanyl—and more than 50 of those hadn’t known they were using it. City to study use of fentanyl-detecting test strips by distributing them in exchange vans. Ashley Perry, Intervention Case Manager from Project Weber/RENEW, explains how to use a fentanyl test strip.
Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. Join the thousands of people that have called a treatment provider for rehab information. Until now, Fentanyl test strips had previously been considered “drug paraphernalia” in Florida, meaning it was a crime to either possess or distribute them anywhere in the state. Fentanyl mixed (adulterated) with xylazine has been declared an emerging drug threat (link) by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. Rescue breaths are one of the most important steps you can take while waiting for the person to breath on their own. Fentanyl will not absorb through the skin from accidental exposure, and it is not strong enough to cause an overdose from airborne exposure.
Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
In places where drug testing is legal, such as Canada and Europe, people who want to have their drugs tested most often need to bring their substances to specific locations. For instance, SIFs in Canada distribute FTS to their clients; however, clients must test their drugs in that same setting [51,52,53]. In Europe, drug testing largely takes place at music venues and mobile test sites with trained professionals [27, 54].
You do not need insurance to receive naloxone through this service. Visit NEXT Distro to request that naloxone be mailed directly to your home. The Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction (SUPHR) provides test strips and naloxone to both individuals and organizations. 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.
Fentanyl test strips are crucial tools that can help individuals identify the presence of fentanyl in various substances. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has been linked to numerous overdoses and fatalities. With the rise of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply, having a way to test drugs for its presence has become increasingly important.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we had more people in the Bay Area die from fentanyl than COVID-19, so fentanyl overdoses are really impacting our community. There are a lot of factors but one reason is that it can be made cheaply. It’s also often made as a white powder, which can easily be mixed or “cut” with other drugs like heroin to make them stronger, allowing people who sell drugs to make more profit. No drug is completely safe and there is always a risk of overdose. Fentanyl test strips aren’t perfect, but most people find them easy to use.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?
Individuals seeking to purchase fentanyl test strips have several options available to them. Here’s a breakdown:
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. These agencies are receiving fentanyl test strip packages directly from the manufacturer. Each package contains one fentanyl test strip and instructions on how to use it. The participating organizations are handing out the packages at no cost. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced that 120,600 fentanyl test strips have been distributed to organizations across the state to help prevent drug overdose deaths. Drugs mixed with fentanyl are the leading cause of overdose deaths in Wisconsin.
- Pharmacies: Many local pharmacies offer fentanyl test strips, particularly those that emphasize harm reduction and public health.
- Online Retailers: Numerous online platforms sell fentanyl test strips including specialized websites focused on drug safety.
- Community Organizations: Some harm reduction organizations and community health centers distribute test strips for free or at a low cost.
- Medical Supply Stores: Select medical supply outlets may carry fentanyl test strips alongside other testing supplies.
Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?
The importance of using fentanyl test strips cannot be understated. Here are some key reasons:
- Reducing Overdose Risk: By testing drugs, users can avoid inadvertently consuming fentanyl, significantly reducing the risk of overdose.
- Empowerment: Having the ability to test substances empowers users to make informed choices about their drug use.
- Education: The use of test strips promotes awareness and education about the dangers of fentanyl and the opioid crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can fentanyl test strips detect all forms of fentanyl?
No, while fentanyl test strips are effective for detecting many forms of fentanyl, they may not identify all analogs or new synthetic variations.
2. Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Yes, in most places, fentanyl test strips are legal to buy and use, although it is advisable to check local laws.
3. How do I use fentanyl test strips?
Using fentanyl test strips is relatively straightforward. Simply:
- 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 second primary outcome was operationalized by categorizing participants into those who reported at least one positive test (yes vs. no).
- These tests have the ability to detect the presence of fentanyl and some analogs in urine or in drug samples dissolved in water that are believed to be contaminated [24, 25].
- Oregon is experiencing an influx of fentanyl in the form of counterfeit pills.
- Prepare a small sample of the substance to be tested.
- Mix it with water according to the instructions provided with the test strips.
- Dip the test strip into the solution.
- Wait for the indicated time to check for results.
4. Can I trust the results from fentanyl test strips?
While fentanyl test strips can provide useful information, they are not 100% foolproof. Users should consider them as part of a broader harm reduction strategy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing where can I buy fentanyl test strips is essential for anyone who might come into contact with illicit drugs. These test strips serve as valuable tools for reducing the risk of overdose and promoting safe practices among users. By taking advantage of the various purchasing options available, individuals can better protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers associated with fentanyl and its potent nature.
