- As of April 2021, federal guidance explicitly permits FTS purchase with health and social service funds.
- We report here the results of the baseline survey and the outcomes of the fentanyl strip test training and receipt of the take-home tests.
- Consistent with another study of FTS conducted in the US [35], participants stated they employed these precautions because they were made aware of fentanyl contamination.
- 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 a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and addiction, and is only available by prescription for severe pain management.
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Fentanyl burns and becomes inactive at high temperatures when in sustained direct contact with flame. While it is possible for weed to be laced with opioids, it would be an inefficient delivery system for the drug despite this persistent myth. Fentanyl contamination primarily occurs in powders and pressed pills. We have the right to know the ingredients of what we put into our bodies, whether what we’re ingesting is food, alcohol, or drugs.
Unfortunately, fentanyl has become a major problem in the illegal drug market, where it is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills, to increase their potency and profitability. This has led to a significant increase in overdose deaths, as many users are unaware that they are consuming fentanyl.
Learn more about responding to suspected drug overdoses on OHA’s Naloxone Rescue for Opioid Overdose webpage (link). The Food & Drug Administration issued a letter to healthcare professionals (link) in November 2022 to provide clinical information about the risks of xylazine exposure in humans, possible withdrawal symptoms, and considerations for medical care. Xylazine use can lead to unresponsiveness, forgetfulness or memory loss, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and reduced breathing. Xylazine can also cause wounds and may lead to life-threatening infections that can cause conditions like endocarditis and sepsis. These wounds have been reported from injecting, smoking, and snorting xylazine, and they can develop quickly.
Organizations In Suburban Cook County That Provide FTS
Why are Fentanyl Test Strips Important?
Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative that is approved by FDA for animal use, but not for people. Xylazine is increasingly added to other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl to enhance the effect or increase street value. Xylazine is dangerous because it can depress breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature to critical levels and, in combination with fentanyl, can make overdose reversal challenging. If you need fentanyl test strips for personal use, you can find a list of community organizations that provide them at no cost below. You can also find test strips at some of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs on this list.
Fentanyl test strips are a simple and inexpensive way to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They work by testing a small sample of the drug for the presence of fentanyl, providing results in just a few minutes. This can help users make informed decisions about whether to use a drug, and can also help first responders and harm reduction organizations identify and respond to fentanyl-related overdoses.
Promoting Healthy Activities Outdoors In Safe, Clean, Green Public Spaces
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?
Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping. But if you’re going to use street drugs, testing them for fentanyl first might save your life. Certified providers can order up to 1,200 fentanyl test strips and up to 600 xylazine test strips or set up a naloxone ordering account using the provider and individual request form. Most of the time, the person using the contaminated substance has no idea that it contains fentanyl.
Fentanyl test strips are available for purchase from a variety of sources, including:
- Online retailers: Fentanyl test strips can be purchased online from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, eBay, and specialized harm reduction websites. However, it is important to ensure that the strips are from a reputable source, as counterfeit strips are not uncommon.
- Harm reduction organizations: Many harm reduction organizations, such as needle exchanges and overdose prevention programs, provide fentanyl test strips free of charge or at a reduced cost. These organizations can also provide education and support on how to use the strips and respond to fentanyl-related overdoses.
- Health departments: Some health departments provide fentanyl test strips as part of their harm reduction efforts. These departments may also provide training and support on how to use the strips and respond to fentanyl-related overdoses.
Suspected IMF exposure is common among people who use drugs in Rhode Island (Macmadu et al., 2017), but demand for fentanyl is low and many wish to avoid it (Carroll, Marshall, Rich, & Green, 2017). 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. Beginning in May 2017, we recruited participants from the 2015 RAPIDS study, 61% of whom previously agreed to be contacted for future research studies. The eligibility criteria for RAPIDS included being aged 18 to 29, residing in Rhode Island, not currently being in alcohol or substance abuse treatment programs, and reporting past 30-day non-medical use of prescription opioids.
Conclusion
Fentanyl test strips are an important tool in the fight against fentanyl-related overdoses. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and can provide quick and accurate results. If you or someone you know uses drugs, consider purchasing fentanyl test strips to help reduce the risk of overdose and ensure safe use.