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Additional study across more geographies is warranted and may provide further insights. The rate of fentanyl-attributable fatal overdose has been particularly high among residents of New England, the northeastern region of the US [8, 9]. In 2016, fentanyl was found in 58% of all overdose deaths in Rhode Island, a state in New England with an overdose death rate about 1.5 times greater than the national average [10, 11]. Additionally, fatal opioid overdoses are affecting younger populations than previous years. In Rhode Island, young adults have the fastest growing rate of fatal overdoses; more than one in four fatal fentanyl-related overdoses in 2016 were among people between the ages of 18 and 29 years [12, 13].
Following a substantial campaign effort from parents who lost children to fentanyl overdose, the Kansas legislature passed a similar bill in late April, SB 174, which would remove fentanyl test strips from the state’s list of drug paraphernalia. The bill was sent to Governor Laura Kelly’s office on Friday, who has voiced her support for such legislation and is expected to sign it into law. In a rapid shift since last year, over a dozen states have moved to legalize fentanyl test strips. The change is one that harm reduction proponents argue is necessary during an era where fentanyl overdose is a leading cause of death in American adults under 45. Education about and access to harm-reduction materials like Fentanyl test strips change the behaviors of people who use drugs, therefore reducing risk.
Promoting And Protecting The City’s Health
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, making it a significant risk to users who may not be aware they are taking it. Fentanyl test strips are a simple and effective way to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs and can help prevent overdoses and other negative outcomes.
What are Fentanyl Test Strips?
Services And Programs
Fentanyl test strips are small, portable strips that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They work by testing a small sample dark web websites for credit cards of a drug and providing results within minutes. The strips are easy to use and can be purchased online or at some pharmacies.
Fentanyl contamination primarily occurs in powders and pressed pills. 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. The biggest risk factor is that people are often exposed unintentionally and don’t know to take the proper precautions to use this drug safely. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (some stronger than fentanyl, some weaker) are not “naloxone resistant.” They are opioids and will respond to naloxone if someone is overdosing.
What Are Fentanyl Testing Strips?
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Rapid test strips, which can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl in drug samples (before use) or urine (after use), may help inform people about their exposure risk. The purpose of this study was to determine whether young adults who use drugs were willing to use rapid test strips as a harm reduction intervention to prevent overdose. We hypothesized that those who had ever overdosed would be more willing to use the test strips.
This purchase approval applies to all federal grant programs, like CDC’s multiyear Overdose Data to Action cooperative agreement, if the purchase of FTS is consistent with the purpose of the program. Allowing federal grant programs to purchase FTS helps create opportunities for people who use drugs to interact with community-based organizations who may also offer mental health and behavioral services a person needs. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes. Test strips are available in more than 30 other states and Washington D.C., according to recent counts. In states where they’re legal for distribution, the strips are up for sale in pharmacies and frequently handed out for free at public health department centers, harm reduction clinics, and even college campuses.
Fentanyl test strips can be purchased from a variety of sources, including:
When fentanyl is mixed with other drugs, it never mixes evenly and can clump together. Think of your drug as the cookie and fentanyl as the chocolate chips. 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.
- Online retailers: There are several online retailers that sell fentanyl test strips, including Amazon, eBay, and DanceSafe. When purchasing online, be sure to read reviews and check the seller’s ratings to ensure you are buying from a reputable source.
- Pharmacies: Some pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS, sell fentanyl test strips over the counter. However, availability may vary by location, so it is best to call ahead and check.
- Syringe exchange programs: Syringe exchange programs, also known as needle exchanges, often provide fentanyl test strips to their clients. These programs can be found in many cities and are a valuable resource for people who use drugs.
- Community organizations: Some community organizations, such as harm reduction organizations and drug user unions, may provide fentanyl test dark market link strips to their members or the general public. These organizations can often be found through online searches or by contacting local health departments.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Using fentanyl test strips is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how:
- Collect a small sample of the drug you want to test. This can be done by dissolving a small amount of the drug in water or by scraping a small amount off a pill or powder.
- Dip the test strip into the sample for a few seconds, making sure to fully submerge the strip. Do not allow the strip to touch the sides or bottom of the container.
- Remove the strip from the sample and lay it flat on a clean surface. Wait for the strip to develop, which usually takes a few minutes. The strip will show one line if fentanyl is not present and two lines if fentanyl is present.
- 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.
- Watch a video on How to use fentanyl test strips from Prevent Overdose-Rhode Island.
- Communities with OEND programs have shown greater reductions in overdose mortality compared to those without such programs [16, 17].
- A mass of Republican-controlled legislatures, including Utah, Kentucky and Mississippi, have backtracked in recent months and welcomed policy to decriminalize the strips.
It is important to note that fentanyl test strips can only detect the presence of fentanyl and cannot determine the amount present. They should be used as part of a larger harm reduction strategy, which may include using smaller amounts of drugs, using drugs with a trusted friend or partner, and carrying naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Conclusion
Fentanyl test strips are an important tool in the fight against opioid overdoses and other negative outcomes associated with fentanyl use. They are easy to use, widely available, and can help do darknet markets like dream charge for users make informed decisions about their drug use. If you or someone you know uses drugs, consider purchasing fentanyl test strips and incorporating them into your harm reduction strategy.
