Fentanyl Test Strips: A Harm Reduction Strategy
Sherman and 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. We investigated three available technologies to provide people who use drugs with information that could save their lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we had more people in the Bay Area die from fentanyl than COVID-19, so fentanyl overdoses are really impacting our community. In 2019, UCSF funded a successful pilot project to distribute fentanyl test strips to San Francisco veterans at the center. The pilot paved the way for similar projects at other Veteran Affairs’ centers nationwide.
Understanding Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is primarily used to treat severe pain, particularly in cancer patients or after surgeries. It is significantly stronger than morphine and can be dangerous if misused.
This is because it takes very little to produce a high with fentanyl, making it a cheaper option. This is especially risky when people taking drugs don’t realize they might contain fentanyl as a cheap but dangerous additive. They might be taking stronger opioids than their bodies are used to and can be more likely to overdose. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States.
Fentanyl has proved dangerously difficult to recognize – and profitable to cut into other street drugs. A potentially lethal dose of fentanyl can be as little as two milligrams, equivalent in size to a few grains of salt. Unfortunately, there is no way to know if a substance is or contains fentanyl just by looking at it. In King County, fentanyl-involved overdoses kill two people in our community every day.
Legal Considerations
Since xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone and other opioid antagonists do not reverse xylazine’s effect on breathing in the event of an overdose. Xylazine mixed with fentanyl or other opioids can increase the chances for fatal overdose because both drugs slow and stop breathing. In this training we discuss how to normalize addiction through patient-centered care to improve outcomes and reduce overdose deaths. Fentanyl has been found in many different drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine and ketamine. It can also be found in pills from nonmedical sources, pressed into counterfeit pills to look like prescription painkillers or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® Klonopin®, and Valium®. Fentanyl use can increase your risk of overdose, especially if you do not regularly use opioids.
The report recommends that all international packages start to include what they call “advanced electronic data”—special information on bar codes that could help flag drug-bearing packages for postal workers. To buy his fentanyl, the man uses “darknet” sites, which are unlisted on search engines, rely on a special private browser for access, and don’t tie his username to his identity. He says most of the sites on the regular internet, which the Senate report focused on, are scams in which dealers will take money and fail to deliver. (The Senate investigators did not actually make any purchases.) Or, these so-called “clearnet” sites lead to arrests. “The feds are very on top of the clearnet markets,” he said. According to the report, most of this fentanyl originates in China.
- We partner with a number of local organizations to make sure Naloxone and test strips are available city-wide.
- Fentanyl moving through the street market comes in a powder form and can be injected, smoked, or snorted.
- If the bill is passed, it would mean that drug users could test their drugs for fentanyl before consuming them, potentially saving countless lives.
- Introducing the new CheckPoint instant fentanyl urine dip drug test.
- The mortality rates from fentanyl consumption and increasing enforcement actions against dealers have even spooked many cybercriminals into steering clear from facilitating its trade.
- When someone is addicted to drugs, they continue to use them even though they cause health problems or issues at work, school, or home.
Before considering how can I buy fentanyl, it is crucial to understand the legal implications:
- Prescription Requirement: Fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance and requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Criminal Charges: Purchasing fentanyl without a prescription or buying it illegally can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
- Variability in Legislation: Laws regulating fentanyl can vary by country and state, so it’s essential to stay informed.
Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. Around them, a few people openly injected dope, as an occasional pedestrian threaded past.
Obtaining Fentanyl Legally
If you have a legitimate medical need for fentanyl, consider the following steps:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Discuss your symptoms and pain management needs with a doctor.
- Get a Prescription: If deemed necessary, your healthcare provider will write you a prescription for fentanyl.
- Visit a Licensed Pharmacy: Fill the prescription at a licensed pharmacy, ensuring that it is a legitimate establishment.
Risks of Misuse
Misusing fentanyl can lead to serious health risks, including:
- Overdose: Due to its potency, even a small amount can lead to overdose, which can be fatal.
- Addiction: Fentanyl can be highly addictive, leading individuals down a path of dependency.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Stopping fentanyl suddenly can result in uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
FAQs about Fentanyl
1. What should I do if I suspect someone is misusing fentanyl?
If you suspect misuse, it’s important to intervene by:
- Encouraging them to seek help from a healthcare professional.
- Contacting local addiction services for support and resources.
- Educating them on the risks associated with improper use of fentanyl.
2. Are there alternatives to fentanyl for pain management?
Yes, there are several alternatives, including:
- Non-opioid medications such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).
- Other opioid medications that may be less potent.
- Non-pharmaceutical approaches like physical therapy or acupuncture.
3. What should I do if a prescribed dose of fentanyl is not effective?
If the prescribed dose is insufficient, consult your doctor. Do not adjust your dosage without professional guidance.
Understanding how can I buy fentanyl involves navigating legal, medical, and health-related issues responsibly. Misuse can lead to dire consequences, making it essential to seek proper channels for pain management.
