Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often added to other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills to increase their potency. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl, which can lead to accidental overdoses and even death.
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Why are Fentanyl Test Strips Important?
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. 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.
Fentanyl test strips are a simple and affordable way to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They can help prevent accidental overdoses by allowing users to make informed decisions about whether or not to use a particular substance. Fentanyl test strips are easy to use and provide results in just a few minutes.
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Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
- Fentanyl test strips may not be able to detect all forms of illicit fentanyl and they cannot tell you how much fentanyl may be present.
- This can dangerously slow or stop breathing which may lead to death.
- While the strips may not prevent drug use overall, they allow testers to take a pause if a strip comes back positive, possibly encouraging them to reconsider drug use and seek help, said Sheila Vakharia with the national nonprofit Drug Policy Alliance.
- In summary, this study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of take-home rapid fentanyl tests.
Fentanyl test strips are available for purchase at many harm reduction organizations, drug treatment centers, and online retailers. Here are some options to consider:
Harm Reduction Organizations
Where To Find Fentanyl Test Strips
Many harm reduction organizations, such as the National Harm Reduction Coalition and DanceSafe, sell fentanyl test strips. These organizations often have a mission to reduce the harm associated with drug use, and they may offer other resources and services as well.
The presence of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl in New York City has dramatically increased the number of overdose deaths, and fentanyl is now the most common drug involved in overdose deaths. In 2020, 1,580 New Yorkers died from a fentanyl-involved overdose. Meanwhile in Florida, the House of Representatives worked together in a rare bipartisan show of support to pass SB 164, decriminalizing fentanyl test strips on Wednesday.
Drug Treatment Centers
Some drug treatment centers may sell fentanyl test strips as part of their harm reduction efforts. These centers may also offer counseling, therapy, and other resources to help people struggling with addiction.
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Even a little bit can get cross-contaminated if you’re using the same surface to cut, bag, or weigh a substance. Someone may be buying what they think is cocaine or a benzodiazepine pill, but there could be small amounts of fentanyl present. That is incredibly risky and puts them at great risk of overdose. The inexpensive strips have been embraced by treatment organizations as a way to reduce harms from illicit drug use. Nearly 40 states have legalized their use, according to the Network for Public Health Law. The Gazette spoke with Sarah Wakeman, the senior medical director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham about the legal shift over use of the products.
Online Retailers
There are several online retailers that sell fentanyl test strips, including Amazon and eBay. However, it is important to ensure that the strips are legitimate and not counterfeit. Look for reputable sellers and read reviews before making a purchase.
Considerations When Buying Fentanyl Test Strips
When buying fentanyl test strips, it is important to consider the following:
- Accuracy: Ensure that the test strips are accurate and reliable.
- Legitimacy: Make sure that the strips are legitimate and not counterfeit.
- Expiration Date: Check the expiration date to ensure that the strips are still effective.
- Storage: Store the strips in a cool, dry place to ensure their longevity.
Conclusion
A pinch of heroin from one side of a baggie might contain no fentanyl at all, while a spot on the other side might contain a fatal dose. This also applies to pressed tablets, part of a tablet could contain fentanyl while another part has none. It’s safest, therefore, to test the entire dose you intend to consume, and crush entire tablets to be sure nothing is potentially missed. Remember that one dose may not be representative of a whole batch, so it’s recommended to test every time you use.
Fentanyl test strips are an important tool in preventing accidental overdoses and reducing the harm associated with drug use. They are widely available for purchase at harm reduction organizations, drug treatment centers, and online retailers. When buying fentanyl test strips, it is important to consider their accuracy, legitimacy, expiration date, and storage to ensure that they are effective and reliable.