However, many states are changing their policies to help prevent opioid overdoses and save lives. Tennessee recently changed its policy and legalized fentanyl test strips, no longer considering these prevention tools as paraphernalia.4 You can research state-by-state legality to find out more about access in your area online. 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. A controversial tool has emerged in the fight against opioid overdose deaths.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is often added to other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills to increase their potency. Unfortunately, many drug users are unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl, which can lead to accidental overdoses and even death.
I have friends that would get the drug test kits from the stores and just test in private because like a lot of stigma attached to things. So when you go to a place where you have to do drug testing even the people there can kinda look at you kinda weird um no matter what their reason is (Respondent 2, multiracial female, age 29, urine testing group). They were not just close friends, but a couple of people I met at the clinic and stuff, and they actually were people who really want to know if the fentanyl is actually in the drugs they are using, and they actually use a little bit more than I do.
Provides counseling and support to reduce the negative impact of drug and alcohol use including structured outpatient treatment programs. You can use the form below to request fentanyl test strips be mailed discretely to your home. If you need Narcan or intramuscular naloxone as well, use this page to access free supplies with an easy fentanyl test strip add-on.
Participants were also given test strips for testing their drugs on their own time, and the survey was completed with providers when they returned to site. Participants also had the option take copies of the survey and return completed surveys to any syringe access site. This was the least effective method of obtaining completed surveys. Surveys were administered by a professionally trained research assistant using a Qualtrics web-based survey tool after obtaining written consent. Research assistants were trained in harm reduction techniques such as recognizing and responding to overdose and administering naloxone.
Where To Find Naloxone/Narcan
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. The approach aims to protect people who are engaged in higher-risk behaviour while at the same time, supporting them towards treatment and recovery. Fentanyl is to blame for 146 deaths in Vermont since 2016, when it overtook heroin and prescription painkillers as the most deadly opioid in the state. The potent synthetic has already killed 30 people in Vermont in 2018, more than heroin and prescription opioids combined, according to state data. “Criminalizing fentanyl test strips is like outlawing water hoses during a house fire — it won’t fix the problem, and it’ll get people killed,” Crockett said in a May statement. Most are at least 96% accurate in detecting fentanyl as well as many fentanyl analogs (drugs that are chemically similar but not identical to fentanyl).
- They were originally designed to check urine for fentanyl, but harm reduction advocates found that the tests could work when a little bit of the product was mixed with water.
- For this study, a deductive approach was utilized in order to develop an initial coding scheme, which was constructed from the interview template [48].
- In some cases, using meth or coke, especially at higher doses, can lead to another type of overdose called Overamping.
- The Health Department offers virtual trainings to individuals and organizations on the use of fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction tool as well as strategies for community engagement.
Why are Fentanyl Test Strips Important?
Fentanyl test strips are a simple and effective way to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They can help drug users make informed decisions about whether to use a drug or not, and can also help prevent dark web sites name list accidental overdoses. Fentanyl test strips are easy to use, discreet, and relatively inexpensive. They can be used to test a variety of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills.
Reluctance To Legalize Fentanyl Test Strips
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips are becoming increasingly available in many parts of the world. Here are some places where you can buy fentanyl test strips:
- Online marketplaces: You can buy fentanyl test strips online from a variety of sources, including Amazon, eBay, and other online marketplaces. Make sure to read reviews and check the seller’s ratings before making a purchase.
- Drug harm reduction organizations: Many drug harm reduction organizations, such as needle exchanges and harm reduction clinics, offer fentanyl dark web websites 2024 test strips for free or at a low cost. These organizations can also provide education and support around drug use and harm reduction.
- Pharmacies: Some pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS, sell fentanyl test strips over the counter. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they carry them.
- Health departments: Some health departments, such as the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, offer fentanyl test strips for free or at a low cost. Check with your local health department to see if they offer this service.
Overdose Palm Card
FAQs
Can fentanyl test strips detect all types of fentanyl?
No, fentanyl test strips can only detect the presence of fentanyl and some of its analogs. They may not detect onions link all types of fentanyl, and they cannot determine the quantity or potency of the fentanyl present.
Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are generally accurate and reliable. However, they should not be used as the sole determinant of whether a drug contains fentanyl or not. They should be used in conjunction with other harm reduction strategies, such as not using alone, carrying naloxone, and using a small test dose first.
Can fentanyl test strips be used to test other drugs?
Yes, fentanyl test strips can be used to test a variety of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills. However, they may not detect all types of drugs, and they cannot determine the quantity or potency of the drug present.
Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in most parts of the world. However, some countries, such as Canada, have restrictions on the sale and distribution of fentanyl test strips. Check with your local laws and regulations before purchasing or using fentanyl test strips.
