Always seek the advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or issue. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the content found on the Erie County Department of Health website or this correspondence. No drug is completely safe and there is always a risk of overdose. More than 30 years of evidence looking at providing sterile syringes to people who inject drugs shows people will use drugs, whether or not they have access to clean supplies.
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 top darknet to increase their potency. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that their drugs contain fentanyl, which can lead to accidental overdoses and death.
Additionally, 78 percent of the speed/crystal meth samples tested came back positive, as did 67 percent of the crack cocaine samples. This indicates that those drugs have not been cut with fentanyl, but possibly contaminated, or contain such an insignificant amount of fentanyl that it doesn’t pose widespread danger. In Philadelphia, fentanyl is often found in heroin and pressed pills (Xanax, oxys, percs) and could contaminate other drugs like cocaine, crack, and other stimulants. We recruited a convenience sample of young adults who use drugs in Rhode Island from May to September 2017. Eligible participants (aged 18 to 35 with past 30-day drug use) completed an interviewer-administered survey.
One way to prevent fentanyl-related overdoses is by using fentanyl test strips. These strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, allowing users to make informed decisions about their use. In this article, we will discuss black market drugs and answer some frequently asked questions.
Promoting And Protecting The City’s Health
The opioid overdose epidemic, once dominated by prescription opioid misuse, is now driven by the use of heroin and other illicit drugs [3,4,5,6]. Heroin-related deaths have quadrupled since 2010, while prescription opioid deaths have increased only slightly [7, 8]. Since the widespread introduction of illicitly manufactured fentanyl into the drug supply in North America in 2013 [11], fentanyl-related deaths have sharply increased [8, 14]. In the United States (US), six states that publish data on fentanyl-related fatalities reported that the number of overdose deaths attributable to fentanyl increased by over 350% between 2013 and 2014, from 392 to over 1400 [15]. In British Columbia, Canada, fentanyl-related overdose deaths increased over 600% from 2014 to 2016, with fentanyl being detected in 67% of all overdose-related deaths in 2016 compared to 25% in 2014 [16]. The staggering increase in drug overdose deaths has been driven largely by the high prevalence of potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, in the U.S. drug supply.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
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.
Fentanyl test strips are available at many harm reduction organizations, drug treatment centers, and health departments. You can also purchase them online from various retailers, including:
It is important to note that fentanyl test strips are not foolproof and may not detect all forms of fentanyl. However, they can still provide valuable information and help reduce the risk of accidental overdoses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fentanyl test strips?
Fentanyl Test Strips: A Harm Reduction Strategy
Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They work by testing a small sample of the drug and changing color if fentanyl is present.
How do I use fentanyl test strips?
To use fentanyl test strips, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Generally, you will need to dissolve a small sample of the drug in water and then dip the test strip into the solution. Wait a few minutes for the results to appear.
Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
Fentanyl test strips are not foolproof and may not detect all forms of fentanyl. However, they have been shown to be highly accurate in detecting the presence of fentanyl in drugs. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology, fentanyl test strips correctly identified the presence of fentanyl in 96% of drug samples tested.
Can fentanyl test strips prevent overdoses?
Fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdoses by providing users with information about the presence of fentanyl in their drugs. However, they are not a substitute for other harm reduction strategies, such as carrying naloxone, using smaller doses, and avoiding using drugs alone.
Unlocking Federal Funding For Fentanyl Test Strips Will Save Lives
Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Fentanyl test strips are legal in most states, but some states have laws that restrict their sale or possession. It is important to check your local laws before purchasing or using fentanyl test strips.
Where can I get fentanyl test strips for free?
Many harm reduction organizations and health departments offer fentanyl test strips for free or at a reduced cost. You can search for organizations in your area that provide harm reduction services, such as syringe exchange programs or overdose prevention training.
Can I use fentanyl test strips on any drug?
Fentanyl test strips are designed to detect fentanyl in drugs, not other substances. They may not work on drugs darknet market sites that do not contain fentanyl or that contain other forms of fentanyl not detected by the test strip.
What should I do if my drug tests positive for fentanyl?
If your drug tests positive for fentanyl, it is important to take precautions to reduce your risk of overdose. This may include using smaller doses, using with someone else present, and carrying naloxone. You may also want to consider seeking drug treatment or other harm reduction services.
Can I reuse fentanyl test strips?
- And so, if that did happen, you know like at least somebody could be like, oh and jump on it and act fast (Respondent 22, white male, age 22 , urine testing group).
- South Dakota just launched a marketing campaign to encourage the community to fight meth, but its slogan has drawn nationwide mockery on social media.
- That way, if there’s an overdose, someone can call 911 and give naloxone.
- Participants were provided with overdose education and naloxone following the FTS training.
- Originally intended for urine drug tests, fentanyl testing strips are being used as an off-label harm reduction approach to test the presence or absence of fentanyl and many fentanyl analogs (very closely related drugs) in the unregulated drug supply.
- But if you’re going to use street drugs, testing them for fentanyl first might save your life.
No, fentanyl test strips are designed for one-time use only. Reusing them may produce inaccurate results.
How much do fentanyl test strips cost?
The cost of fentanyl test strips varies depending on the manufacturer and the quantity purchased. On average, they cost between $1 and $2 per strip. Some organizations may offer them for free or at a reduced cost.
