Therefore, we cannot make claims about FTS usability among those currently experiencing homelessness. Finally, this study took place in Rhode Island, a state with a high burden of fentanyl-related overdoses and fentanyl contamination. As such, results may not be generalizable to other settings, particularly those in which the presence of fentanyl contamination in illicit drugs is less common. In 2016, drug overdose deaths exceeded 64,000 in the United States, driven by a sixfold increase in deaths attributable to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS), used to detect fentanyl in illicit drugs, may help inform people who use drugs about their risk of fentanyl exposure prior to consumption. This qualitative study assessed perceptions of FTS among young adults.
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 unknowingly taking fentanyl, which can lead to overdose and death.
Stop Opioid Overdose
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 drug use. But where can you buy fentanyl test strips?
You can’t smell or taste fentanyl and fake pills made from fentanyl can look like real pills from a pharmacy. There is no way to know how much fentanyl is in something based on look, smell, or taste. Any opioid pill not from a pharmacy is highly likely to be fake and contain fentanyl. It costs Jess Tilley $1 to purchase a fentanyl test strip—a small sum, until you consider that she’s buying them by the hundreds. “If you had a little bit of the drug you could pop in here…you would add a little bit of water… and then you use this test strip, hold it in, and if there was fentanyl present, two red lines or pink lines would appear,” says Mark Townsend.
Drug Stores and Pharmacies
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Some WA State syringe services programs can provide fentanyl test strips. Thankfully, despite the fact that technically, fentanyl test strips have been illegal, they have been relatively available through harm-reduction organizations and substance-use-disorder treatment organizations. It’s been a great resource to be able to offer those to people and to start a conversation about understanding contamination and the risks of unintentional overdose. More than 1,900 people have died of illicit drug overdoses in B.C. Since the province declared a public health emergency nearly two years ago. The fentanyl test strips given away were packaged into kits including 10 strips, each with instructions on how to use them, a pocket-sized set of instructions with pictures, and information on fentanyl.
Some drug stores and pharmacies carry fentanyl test strips. You can try checking with your local pharmacy or searching online for drug stores that sell them. However, availability may vary depending on your location and the specific store’s policies.
Online Marketplaces
- Visit NEXT Distro to request that naloxone be mailed directly to your home.
- 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.
- These tests have the ability to detect the presence of fentanyl and some analogs in urine or in drug samples dissolved in water that are believed to be contaminated [24, 25].
- Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a low-cost method of helping prevent drug overdoses and reducing harm.
- We want multiple touchpoints and multiple avenues for people to be able to empower themselves and stay safe.
There are several online marketplaces where you can buy fentanyl test strips. Some popular options include Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Simply search for “fentanyl test strips” on these websites, and you should be able to find several options. Make sure to read the product descriptions carefully and choose a reputable seller.
Where To Find Naloxone/Narcan
Syringe Exchange Programs
Syringe exchange programs, also known as needle exchange programs, often provide fentanyl test strips to their clients. These programs aim to reduce the spread of HIV and other bloodborne diseases by providing clean needles and other harm reduction supplies. You can search for syringe exchange programs in your area by visiting the North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) website.
Fentanyl: What You Should Know
They can ask someone to check on them in 5 minutes (either by phone, text, in person).• BE AWARE OF THINGS THAT PLACE THEM AT GREATER RISK OF OVERDOSE. Using slowly allows their body to adjust and gives a person time to understand how the drugs may affect them.• TRY SNORTING OR SMOKING INSTEAD. You can still overdose by smoking and snorting, especially with fentanyl, so start slow and use less to start. “Many families impacted by addiction come to us for information about how to encourage their loved one to use safety measures, such as test strips, to reduce their risk for overdose and death.
Community Organizations
Many community organizations, such as harm reduction centers and drug user unions, provide fentanyl test strips to their members. These organizations often have a strong focus on harm reduction and may offer other services, such as overdose prevention training and naloxone distribution. You can search for community organizations in your area by visiting the Drug Policy Alliance website.
FAQs
- Are fentanyl test strips accurate? Fentanyl test strips are generally considered to be accurate, but they are not foolproof. False positives and false negatives can occur, so it’s important to use them as part of a larger harm reduction strategy.
- How do I use a fentanyl test strip? To use a fentanyl test strip, you will need to dissolve a small amount of your drug in water and then dip the strip into the solution. Wait a few minutes for the results to appear, and then read the instructions carefully to interpret the results.
- Can I use a fentanyl test strip on any drug? Fentanyl test strips are designed to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, so they may not work for all substances. It’s important to read the product instructions carefully to ensure that the strip is appropriate for your drug of choice.
In conclusion, there are several places where you can buy fentanyl test strips, including drug stores, online marketplaces, syringe exchange programs, and community organizations. By using these strips as part of a larger harm reduction strategy, you can help prevent fentanyl-related overdoses and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
