Most people in the U.S. use drugs, whether it’s caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine. It is the primary driver of overdose mortality in Massachusetts and across the nation. In Massachusetts, fentanyl was present in 93 percent of the opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022.
MPOX (monkeypox) Resources
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 difficult for users to know if they are consuming it. Fentanyl test strips are a quick and easy way to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, helping to prevent overdoses and save lives.
Any time a person consumes an illicit pill in the age of fentanyl, they risk dying. WhatFree training and dispensing of Narcan® nasal spray used to top darknet markets 2024 reddit treat suspected opioid overdoses. If you live in King County you may be able to order free fentanyl test strips through an online order form.
What are Fentanyl Test Strips?
Naloxone displaces the opioids from the opioid receptors in the brain which allows the person who is experiencing an opioid overdose to begin breathing normally. The drugs may still be mixed with fentanyl or something else the strips can’t find. Explore this page to connect with LGBTQ-affirming programs and resources for recovery and support. PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney today signed Executive Order 4-21 making it the City’s policy not to arrest individuals for possessing or distributing fentanyl test trips. This Executive Order reinforces the City’s commitment to saving lives through harm reduction amid the ongoing opioid epidemic. That being said, those fighting substance use disorders who are willing to take the potentially fatal risks that come with consuming illicit pills can reduce their chances of overdosing by using FTS.
Fentanyl test strips are small strips that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They work by detecting the chemical marker for fentanyl in a drug sample. The strips are easy to use and provide results within minutes. They are an important tool for harm reduction and can help prevent overdoses.
- She has made historic investments to give law enforcement the resources to seek out criminals pushing illegal drugs on children.
- As a trusted community messenger, The Center is here to help connect you to resources and information about MPOX.
- According to the AMA’s latest Opioid Epidemic Report, opioid prescribing continues downward trend while overdose and death related to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine increase.
- House of Representatives by Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Congressman Lance Gooden (R-Texas).
- If you or a loved one are prescribed opioid painkillers, or are taking opioids, you should have Narcan on hand.
- State governments and departments of health, such as those in California, Vermont, and Maine, are also providing funding for the purchase and dispersal of take-home FTS through existing SSPs [37–39, 42].
Finally, all participating agencies were invited to complete an anonymous online exit survey that assessed their opinions and knowledge regarding FTS, syringes, naloxone, and Massachusetts laws relevant to FTS. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all survey data and services reported. I would say we were definitely a lot more cautious about what we were doing, like definitely a lot more ready for something to, you know, go wrong…I definitely, like, would pace myself a lot slower with the drugs. And you know, it was like I said, it’s kind of sad to say but we were almost expecting an overdose or such.
Your seller may not always know what other things could be mixed in your supply. Other drug checking tools like reagent kits can be used, but they can be expensive and legality varies by state (updated as of 2019). In some states like Missouri, they are still considered paraphernalia. Opioid overdose deaths are increasing at a devastating rate and many point to fentanyl alone as the culprit. While fentanyl presents some newer challenges to the ever shifting landscape of our unsafe drug supply, misappropriating core facts about the overdose crisis is leading to the misdirection of vital, life-saving resources and creating a fentanyl hysteria. New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition (NJHRC) works to create a New Jersey that values the safety and dignity of all people who use drugs, and to make evidence-informed harm reduction public health resources widely available to everyone in our state.
Florida Legislators Legalize Fentanyl Test Strips
Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips are available for purchase online and in some pharmacies. Here are some places where you can buy fentanyl test strips:
Syringe Service Program
- Online retailers: There are several online retailers that sell fentanyl test strips. Some popular options include DanceSafe, D kit, and Bunk Police.
- Pharmacies: Some pharmacies carry fentanyl test strips. You can call your local pharmacy to see if they have them in stock.
- Syringe exchange programs: Syringe exchange programs often provide fentanyl test strips for free or at a reduced cost.
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Using fentanyl test strips is easy. Here are the steps to follow:
- Collect a small sample of the drug using a clean utensil.
- Mix the sample with a small amount of water.
- Dip the test strip into the water for 15-20 seconds, making sure that the strip is completely submerged.
- Remove the strip from the water and lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Wait 2-5 minutes for the results to appear.
- If one line appears in the control region, the test is negative. If two lines appear, one in the control region and one in the test region, the test is positive.
FAQs
Are fentanyl test strips accurate?
Fentanyl test strips are highly accurate, with a sensitivity of 95-99%. However, they may not detect all forms of fentanyl, and false positives are possible.
Can fentanyl test strips detect other drugs?
No, fentanyl test strips are specifically designed to detect fentanyl and its analogs. what darknet markets still work They will not detect other drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.
How much do fentanyl test strips cost?
The cost of fentanyl test strips varies depending on the supplier. On average, they cost between $1 and $5 per strip.
Are fentanyl test strips legal?
Yes, fentanyl test strips are legal in most states. However, some states have laws that restrict their sale or possession.
Where can I get fentanyl test strips for free?
Syringe exchange programs often provide fentanyl test strips for free or at a reduced cost. You can also check with local harm reduction organizations or health departments to see if they offer free test strips.
Can I use fentanyl test strips on blotter paper?
No, fentanyl test strips are not designed to detect fentanyl on blotter paper. They are best used on powdered or solid drugs.
