Fentanyl test strips have become an increasingly popular tool in harm reduction efforts to prevent accidental overdoses. These test strips allow individuals to check for the presence of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that is often laced in other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills.
70% of drug users who learn that their products contain fentanyl will alter their drug habits, according to a 2018 Johns Hopkins study. That might mean changing their purchasing practices, taking smaller doses, and/or keeping Naloxone (an opioid overdose-reversal medication) on hand. Inpatient treatment programs are often a great option for those struggling with Fentanyl or other Opioid use. Here, patients can safely detox from drugs while under the supervision of medical professionals should any complications arise. Inpatient programs also offer treatment in the form of therapy, medication, and support groups that can help promote healthy coping skills to support sobriety after leaving.
Study Finds Fentanyl In Nearly All Heroin Sold In Vancouver
Why Use Fentanyl Test Strips?
Additionally, questions, such as “What was not useful about the fentanyl tests? ”, and “Is there anything that would make it easier to use the test? The prompt, “Based on the test strip results, did you do anything differently when it came to how you used your drugs?
Fentanyl Test Strips Available For Indiana
The use of fentanyl test strips can help individuals make more informed decisions about their drug use. By testing substances for the presence of fentanyl, users can take steps to reduce the risk of overdose and potentially save lives. These strips are highly sensitive and can detect even trace amounts of fentanyl in a sample.
Where to Purchase Fentanyl Test Strips
How Can I Stay Safe?
This shift allowed for a slight change in percentages, with 68.2 percent of surveys reporting positive results. The campaign start coincided with the release of the Mayor’s Executive Order decriminalizing fentanyl test strips in Philadelphia. It was supported by many community partners including Savage Sisters, The Everywhere Project, South Philly Punks with Lunch, and 24HRPHL. The campaign targeted areas that had seen an increase in overdoses as well as areas where people use drugs recreationally. 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.
There are several online retailers where you can purchase fentanyl test strips at affordable prices. Some organizations also offer free test strips as part of their harm reduction initiatives. Here are a few reputable sources where you can buy fentanyl test strips:
Harm Reduction Saves Lives
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.
- This conflicting evidence points to the fact that further research is needed to understand the ways in which FTS are viewed and used by PWUD.
- Based on the results of the test strips, people can choose to implement strategies to reduce the risk of overdose.
- By far and away, they view this as a much-needed safety measure to reduce the risks of overdose and death.
- One man from West Philly even shared that he overdosed from taking a pill he thought was Percocet but happened to contain fentanyl.
- To use, place unused medication in bag and fill halfway with warm tap water; wait 30 seconds, seal tightly, gently shake bag, and dispose in normal trash can.
- Dancesafe: Dancesafe is a well-known nonprofit organization that provides drug testing kits, including fentanyl test strips, to promote safer partying and drug use.
- The Bunk Police: The Bunk Police offers a variety of drug testing kits, including fentanyl test strips, to help individuals stay safe while using recreational drugs.
- Sin City Sisters: Sin City Sisters is a harm reduction group that distributes free fentanyl test strips to those in need through outreach programs and community events.
Anyone can buy a press to make pills that look just like prescription drugs these days. UC San Francisco Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor in Clinical Pharmacy Tessa Rife-Pennington, PharmD, BCGP, works at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and with UCSF’s Addiction Research Program. In 2019, UCSF funded a successful pilot project to distribute fentanyl test strips to San Francisco veterans at the center. The pilot paved the way for similar projects at other Veteran Affairs’ centers nationwide. Nearly two-thirds of people who use drugs surveyed for this project had experienced an opioid overdose at least once, and 8 in 10 attributed their last overdose to fentanyl.
It is short acting and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled when mixed into other drugs. Look for information on your state or local health department’s website or ask your healthcare provider for treatment and referral services available in your area. A major reason for the rise in fentanyl overdoses is substance users not realizing that their products are laced with fentanyl. “We hear story after story of people obtaining drugs on the black market that they don’t think is fentanyl,” Singer says.
It’s important to note that fentanyl test strips are not foolproof and may not detect all forms of fentanyl or its analogs. However, they can still be a valuable tool in reducing the risk of accidental overdose. Remember to always follow safe drug use practices and seek help if needed.
