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Fentanyl Test Strips Need To Get Into The Hands Of Users On The Streets, Says Public Health Officer
Understanding Fentanyl
For example, fentanyl test strips remain illegal in Texas despite their ability to save lives by preventing fatal overdoses. British Columbia declared the overdose crisis a public health emergency in 2016. Since then, more than 8,500 people have died of drug overdoses, with last year being the deadliest on record. No drug has fueled the current spike in overdose deaths more than fentanyl. The synthetic opioid claimed two thirds of the record 64,000 such fatalities in the U.S. in 2016.
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is used medically for pain management. However, its illegal use has become a pressing issue due to its high potential for addiction and overdose.
It is the case that legal ports of entry are the predominant venue though which fentanyl comes in. It’s being brought in by trailer trucks and personal vehicles, the vast majority of which are driven by U.S. citizens and having U.S. license plate. Migrants are very small percentage, in the single digits, of carrying fentanyl. Fentanyl overdose can happen through touching or being near fentanyl. Currently, there are three syringe access programs in Denver.
Dr. Susan Sherman and Dr. Traci Green have long focused on improving the health of marginalized populations, including people with substance use disorders, sex workers and people with HIV. For this project, they wanted to both test a solution and begin to determine how well it might work in real-world settings. A thin test strip — similar to a pregnancy test — can detect whether a street drug contains the dangerous opioid fentanyl, according to a new report. While California has made some positive strides in the fight against opioids (the latest data show that prescriptions in the state are down), deaths from one particularly powerful opioid, fentanyl, are up.
The recent increase in overdoses can be traced to the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl and other similar substances, which are increasingly laced into heroin and other street drugs, making them even more deadly. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years. Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using. This makes evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as fentanyl test strips, safety planning, and access to safe supply more vital than ever. Fentanyl, which is 50 times as potent as heroin, laces many batches of heroin and cocaine, and it is now involved in at least half of all opioid overdose deaths.
IMF is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, including Oregon. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain-management treatment of cancer patients. Illicitly manufactured, fentanyl is added to heroin, which is then disguised as highly potent heroin. Many users don’t realize that the heroin they are purchasing may contain fentanyl — which often results in overdose deaths. If used correctly, fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of the most common types of fentanyl in street drugs and pills.
Right now, we exist in an era where the illicit drug supply in this country is unregulated, contaminated, and often poisonous. One way to keep people safe is to give them knowledge of what it is that they’re using. Fentanyl test strips are not a panacea, but they are a way for someone to know if fentanyl is present or not. Someone may be buying what they think is cocaine or a benzodiazepine pill, but there could be small amounts of fentanyl present.
The white powder looked just like heroin, but was much cheaper. Drug dealers started mixing the two drugs as a way to stretch their heroin supply. Fentanyl also started showing up in non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine and fake versions of prescription pills. Along with implementing this new policy, the City is launching a public outreach campaign with information about how and why to test drugs for fentanyl. Additional drug-specific educational cards that advise testing drugs for fentanyl and carrying naloxone can be found here. Ongoing virtual trainings on overdose prevention and the use of fentanyl test strips can be found at
Medical Use of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is prescribed in various forms, including:
- Patches
- Lollipops
- Injectables
These medications are usually reserved for severe pain cases, such as cancer treatment or post-surgical recovery.
Risks Associated with Fentanyl
Using fentanyl without medical supervision poses serious health risks, including:
- Overdose risk due to its potency
- Dependency and addiction issues
- Severe respiratory depression
Understanding these risks is crucial when considering the use of fentanyl.
Seeking Alternatives
- Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on an official government site.
- They’re important because we live in an era of contaminated drug supply.
- If you need fentanyl test strips for personal use, you can find a list of community organizations that provide them at no cost below.
- If you take fentanyl without knowing it, you might get a much higher dose of opioids than your body can handle, putting you at risk for an overdose.
- A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain management or addiction, it is essential to consider safer, legal alternatives. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide beneficial alternatives that carry lower risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is fentanyl primarily used for?
Fentanyl is primarily prescribed for managing severe pain, typically in medical settings.
2. Why is fentanyl considered dangerous?
Fentanyl is considered dangerous due to its high potency, which increases the risk of overdose and addiction.
3. Can fentanyl be prescribed without a doctor’s approval?
No, fentanyl should only be prescribed and used under the strict supervision of a qualified medical professional.
4. What should I do if I suspect someone is overdosing on fentanyl?
If you suspect an overdose, immediately call emergency services. Administering naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose but always seek professional help.
Conclusion
While there may be curiosity about how to buy fentanyl, it is imperative to approach this subject with caution and awareness of the legal and health ramifications.
Engaging in illegal purchases poses severe legal consequences and risks your health.
Instead, focus on safe and effective alternatives for pain management through medical guidance.
