Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. This means that even a small amount can lead to an overdose, which could be deadly. Illegal fentanyl has added to the rise in overdose deaths in the U.S. We believe that providing access to fentanyl test strips will help people who use drugs survive the night. We aim to make people who use drugs more self aware about the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in party drugs.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used as a pain medication and anesthetic. Although it can be legally prescribed by healthcare professionals for certain medical conditions, it is also a highly abused drug. Due to its potency, fentanyl can have devastating consequences when misused or obtained illegally.
Report proposes fentanyl test strips to prevent overdoses
The Dangers of Illicit Fentanyl
When you use an illegal drug, there’s no guarantee that it contains what the dealer or person who gave it to you says it does. The only way to know if a drug has been contaminated with it is to test it. There are a few ways to test for fentanyl in a drug sample, but the easiest (and only do-it-yourself) option is to use a test strip.
Illicitly-obtained fentanyl has become a major concern in recent years due to its involvement in numerous overdose deaths. Counterfeit fentanyl, often mixed with other substances such as heroin or cocaine, can be extremely lethal even in small doses. The illicit market for fentanyl has expanded significantly, leading to increased risks for those seeking to buy it illegally.
Xylazine
Law Enforcement Efforts
Law enforcement agencies are actively working to combat the illegal sale and distribution of fentanyl. They target both online and offline sources where this dangerous drug may be available. However, it is crucial to understand that engaging in illegal activities related to fentanyl can have severe legal consequences and serious health risks.
Syringe programs that serve people who use drugs
Safe and Legal Access to Fentanyl
Tonight, he’s back at the corner looking for drugs, or at least a buddy who can hook him up. He’d go to a shelter, but he knows there’s a warrant out for his arrest and he’s afraid the staff will tip off the cops. Tomorrow he’ll scrounge up some cans and redeem them for cash. Instead, he says, ask for “fetty,” the powdered fentanyl that’s surged in popularity in the past year. And, if I don’t want to be ripped off, make sure I ask for it “clean.” It’ll cost more, between $30 and $60 a gram, but you’ll get a stronger product, he says. The four-member bike squad, tasked with addressing livability problems in Portland’s downtown core, has become the city’s de facto street drug enforcement team.
If you are in legitimate need of fentanyl for medical purposes, the best course of action is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor will assess your condition and determine if fentanyl is the appropriate treatment option for you. If prescribed, you can obtain the medication from licensed pharmacies or healthcare providers.
- Based on previous legislation in some states, fentanyl test strips are classified as drug paraphernalia and are considered illegal.
- He was picked up near Dante’s in January and, by February, had moved downtown to Washington Center.
- Narcan, the most common form of Naloxone is absorbed through mucous membranes, which means it can be easily administered as a nasal spray and does not require active breathing to work.
- Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids and can reverse an opioid overdose.
- Explore this page to connect with LGBTQ-affirming programs and resources for recovery and support.
It is important to emphasize that obtaining fentanyl without a valid prescription is illegal and extremely dangerous. Using fentanyl without proper medical supervision can lead to overdose, addiction, and even death.
Preventing Fentanyl Misuse
To prevent the misuse and abuse of fentanyl, it is essential to educate yourself and others about the risks associated with this powerful drug. Recognizing the signs of fentanyl misuse in friends or loved ones and encouraging them to seek help is crucial.
Harm reduction is a practical approach to keeping people safe. The approach aims to protect people who are engaged in higher-risk behaviour while at the same time, supporting them towards treatment and recovery. Data collected from safe injection facilities in Canada indicate there has been a 2,000 percent rise in street drugs testing positive for fentanyl since 2012. A Vermont health care center has announced it will start giving away free test strips to determine if a drug contains fentanyl. Two ‘select all that apply’ questions regarding perceived benefits and barriers of FTS at the pharmacy were created utilizing the previous harm reduction literature [5, 10, 17]. The technical functionality of the 23-item Qualtrics survey was beta-tested prior to distribution.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it is important to reach out to healthcare professionals, helplines, or support groups for guidance and assistance. There are numerous resources available to provide support and promote recovery.
What is fentanyl?
Conclusion
Fentanyl can be a beneficial medication when used correctly under medical supervision. However, its illicit use poses significant risks to individuals and communities. Avoid engaging in illegal activities related to fentanyl and instead focus on safe and legal access to appropriate medical care. Let’s work together to prevent the misuse and abuse of this potent opioid and protect our health and well-being.
