Participants also received resources which included fentanyl harm reduction suggestions, instructions on how to recognize an opioid overdose, and information on local resources. At the end of the study visit, participants were compensated $25 USD for their time. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used for treating severe pain and is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the United States are linked to illicitly made fentanyl.
Published literature supports that people are willing to use fentanyl test strips and change behavior as a result of a positive test. Further studies should examine which fentanyl analogs are able to be detected in urine or drugs and to what degree of sensitivity. In general, our results suggest that rapid drug tests might be an acceptable intervention for young adults who use drugs for identifying adulterants in the drug illicit supply.
Cheap, Easy Test To Spot Fentanyl In Opioids Could Stem Fatal Overdoses There’s Just One Problem
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain relief, but it is also commonly misused as a recreational drug due to its euphoric effects. The illegal buying and selling of fentanyl has become a major concern, as the drug can be extremely dangerous and even deadly when not used properly.
This means that fentanyl and/or xylazine may still be present in a drug product, even when a portion of the product tested with drug checking strips does not react. This is why it’s best to assume that all drugs not prescribed and handed to you by a pharmacist are mixed with fentanyl, xylazine, or other drugs. Distributors in the US sell counterfeit pills on social media, appealing to a younger, more opioid naïve audience that use social media apps. Opioid naïve individuals are at high risk of accidental overdose because they do not have a tolerance for opioids, may not have access to naloxone, and may not know how to decrease overdose risk.
All locations are confidential and no identifying information is collected, retained or shared with any other agency including Law Enforcement. These sites are not affiliated with any Law Enforcement Agency and no Law Enforcement Officers are present. The Senate subcommittee did not look closely at darknet sites, the investigator told me, because they found so much on the open web. The Senate investigator said Chinese authorities might have been lax in shutting down these websites in the past because opioid overdoses are not as big of a problem in that country as they are in the United States. But the investigator anticipates stricter enforcement to come. He decided to seek out something that would be both safer and cheaper.
MORE RESOURCES ABOUT FENTANYL TEST STRIPS:
Is It Legal to Buy Fentanyl?
Detecting Fentanyl Saving Lives
In most countries, including the United States, it is illegal to buy fentanyl without a prescription. Fentanyl is a controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. Buying fentanyl without a prescription is considered a criminal offense and can result in severe legal consequences.
Why You Should Not Buy Fentanyl Illegally
- You should see the test results within five minutes, usually after one or two minutes.
- Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
- The rise in use and overdoses are described as well as some of the reasons for these changes.
Buying fentanyl illegally is risky for several reasons. Firstly, you have no way of knowing the purity or potency of the drug you are purchasing, which can greatly increase your chances of overdose. Additionally, buying fentanyl illegally supports the dangerous black market for opioids, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis.
It is important to remember that fentanyl is a powerful drug that should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seek help from a medical professional immediately.
In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities. If you live in King County you may be able to order free fentanyl test strips through an online order form.
Remember, buying fentanyl illegally is never worth the risk. Stay safe and seek help if you need it.
