THE DRUG SUPPLY IS NOT RELIABLE WHAT YOU THINK YOU’RE GETTING ISN’T ALWAYS WHAT IT IS
Understanding Fentanyl Test Strips
- 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.
- IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon.
- In these settings, rapid test strips enable people who use drugs to check their drug supply for the presence of fentanyl before consumption by dissolving a small amount of the substance or a sample of drug residue in water (Stewart, 2017).
- Governor Kelly has also taken other measures to help prevent drug overdoses in Kansas.
- Drug checking is a novel strategy to identify IMF in illicit drugs.
Legally made fentanyl can be diverted through theft, fradulent prescriptions, and illicit distribution. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is distributed in powder or tablet (pill) form through illegal drug markets. IMF is added to other drugs, especially opioids, because of its extreme potency. This makes drugs cheaper, more potent, more addictive, and more dangerous. Because of the War on Drugs, misguided public health policy, and laws punishing drug use, the unsafe drug supply is growing.
Like Stepping Stone, Stepping Out offers the same level of support in an outpatient setting which is flexible and allows people to live in their own home. Provides self-empowering recovery tools using a non 12-step approach. Get the facts on fentanyl and overdose to protect your loved ones. Opioids have played a role in the crisis, but the problem runs much deeper than the drugs themselves.
Preventable opioid overdose deaths increased 457% since 1999 in the U.S., which led public health officials to declare a nationwide opioid overdose epidemic. Fentanyl mixed with drugs or alcohol increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids and can reverse an opioid overdose. With a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be administered. No matter the result from using fentanyl test strips, having naloxone nearby is key to saving a life in case an opioid overdose does happen. Naloxone can reverse any opioid overdose, whether it’s from heroin, fentanyl, or analogues like carfentanil.
Fentanyl test strips are critical tools in harm reduction strategies, allowing individuals to test substances for the presence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
If there was a like test strip you know that you could mix a bit of your heroin, or what you think is heroin in water and dip the strip in it, and something like that, you know, like to be able to test it before you use it. Because, you know, afterwards it could be too late, you know (Respondent 13, male of non-disclosed race, age 22). A new program called Meds First allows people to get MOUD right away. Our staff can deliver care on the spot to those who use the Tacoma Needle Exchange van in our parking lot.
The tests also check for many variations of fentanyl known as analogs. Being aware if fentanyl is present allows people to implement appropriate harm reduction strategies to reduce the risk of an overdose. It is not possible to give so much naloxone so as to harm a person.
As the opioid crisis continues, the importance of these test strips has grown. However, many people ask, “where can I buy fentanyl test strips?”
Crush the substance that you wish to test finely on a clean surface. Empty the bag and put your drugs aside in another container or clean surface. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people died in 2021 from a drug overdose, the most ever recorded in a single year in U.S. history. People have also reported that they felt less judged by being able to test their substances in private rather than having to take their substances to another place for testing. Learn tips for how you can help protect your child from accidental overdose.
There’s a lot of urban legend out there about the intentional contamination of drugs, but that doesn’t really make any sense. I think the reason that myth perpetuates is that there’s a lot of stigma and stereotype when we think about the people who are selling or using drugs. 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.
Sources for Purchasing Fentanyl Test Strips
There are several places to consider when looking to buy fentanyl test strips:
- Online Retailers: Websites such as Amazon and specialized harm reduction sites often carry fentanyl test strips. Be sure to check customer reviews and ratings.
- Local Pharmacies: Some pharmacies may stock these test strips or can order them upon request. Always inquire at the pharmacy counter.
- Health Clinics: Community health centers, addiction treatment facilities, and harm reduction organizations frequently provide free or low-cost test strips.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Organizations focused on substance use disorder prevention and harm reduction may distribute fentanyl test strips for free or through outreach programs.
- University Health Services: Many universities have campus health services that may offer fentanyl test strips to students concerned about substance use.
Benefits of Using Fentanyl Test Strips
Utilizing fentanyl test strips comes with several benefits:
- Prevention: They help prevent accidental overdose by allowing users to identify dangerous substances.
- Misinformation: Users may be unaware of what they are consuming; test strips provide clarity.
- Empowerment: They give individuals control over their substance use decisions.
- Accessibility: Test strips promote safer use practices and increase awareness about the risks of fentanyl.
FAQs About Fentanyl Test Strips
Q: Are fentanyl test strips legal to purchase?
A: Yes, in many regions, fentanyl test strips are legal to buy and possess. Always check local laws for specific regulations.
Q: How accurate are fentanyl test strips?
A: While fentanyl test strips can reliably indicate the presence of fentanyl, they may not detect all analogs or similar substances. It’s important to use them as part of a broader harm reduction approach.
Q: Can I use fentanyl test strips on all substances?
A: Yes, fentanyl test strips can be used to test various substances, including powders and pills. Follow the instructions for the best results.
Q: Where else can I find information about fentanyl test strips?
A: Websites of harm reduction organizations provide valuable resources, including where to find test strips, safe use practices, and educational materials.
Conclusion
Finding a reliable source to buy fentanyl test strips is essential in combating the risks associated with fentanyl use. By exploring various purchasing options and recognizing the benefits of test strips, individuals can take proactive steps towards safer substance use practices.
