Fentanyl is the main driver of opioid overdose deaths in Washington state. In 2022, the drug was involved in 90% of fatal opioid overdoses in the state and 65% of all overdose deaths, according to the University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug and Alcohol Institute. The risk is especially high among persons who are not tolerant to the drugs effects (opioid-naïve) and may not be aware that the drugs they use contain fentanyl. Because fentanyl is so potent, its use in people who are naïve to fentanyl use can quickly lead to overdose and death. Xylazine test strips (XTS) are small strips of paper that can be placed within a personal sample of drugs to detect the presence of xylazine. Such strips may be used to inform decisions about drug use practices; for example, upon receiving a positive test result, an individual may opt to not use the drugs or use them in a less risky manner.
Last year, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office recorded more than 350 overdose deaths involving opioids, nearly triple the number only three years earlier, an increase driven by fentanyl. Oregon has the highest rate of drug use disorder in the country, and the fastest-growing fatal overdose rate among teenagers. Ternan argued that fentanyl test strips should be legal and easily available throughout the U.S. because they can be effective harm reduction tools when used properly. But drug users and experimenters need to perform the tests themselves, he said. Other tools include fentanyl test strips, as well as resources for reducing or eliminating unhealthy substance use.
As mentioned above, many drug dealers mix the cheaper fentanyl with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine to increase their profits, making it often difficult to know which drug is causing the overdose. Naloxone is a medicine that can treat a fentanyl overdose when given right away. It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioid drugs. But fentanyl is stronger than other opioid drugs like morphine and might require multiple doses of naloxone. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
What Do Fentanyl Test Strip Studies Say?
Rescue breaths are one of the most important steps you can take while waiting for the person to breath on their own. If you choose to use fentanyl, there are some practices that can help you minimize the risk of an overdose. Here are a few recommendations so you can be in control of your is there a subreddit for darknet markets experience. Here is a map showing all the locations where FentCheck™ venues have fentanyl test strips available. When you get your result, you can make the decision about what to do next. Regardless of test results, start low, go slow, have naloxone/Narcan nearby and don’t use alone.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II prescription drug, and it is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. However, the illegal use of fentanyl has become a significant public health concern in recent years.
This project aimed to identify a potential tool they can use to prevent overdose deaths and engage with people who use opioids to help them move toward addiction treatment and other services. A controversial tool has emerged in the fight against opioid overdose deaths. It’s a strip that allows people who use street drugs such as cocaine and heroin to test whether their drugs are laced with fentanyl. Only one study participant was concerned about law enforcement and the use of fentanyl test strips, which is surprising given that participants had a median of 10 arrests in Philadelphia.
Understanding Fentanyl
It’s up to 100 times stronger than other opioids like morphine, heroin, or oxycodone. Certified providers can order up to 1,200 fentanyl test strips and up to 600 xylazine test strips or legit darknet markets set up a naloxone ordering account using the provider and individual request form. There is no limit on the number of fentanyl test strips that someone can receive through this program.
Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug that can cause serious harm or even death when misused. It is often mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine to increase their potency. This mixing can make it difficult for users to know the exact dose they are taking, which can lead to overdoses.
The Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that can cause respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and death. It is essential to understand the risks associated with fentanyl and to take precautions when using it. It is never safe to use fentanyl outside of a medical setting, and it should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.
Drugs & Supplements
Where Do You Buy Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a controlled substance, and it is illegal to possess or distribute it without a prescription. However, despite these restrictions, fentanyl is still widely available on the illegal market. Here are some of the most common places where people buy fentanyl:
Center For Infectious Diseases
- The dark web: The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through special software. It is a popular place for people to buy and sell illegal drugs, including fentanyl.
- Street dealers: Fentanyl is often sold by street dealers who mix it with other drugs to increase their profits. It is essential to be cautious when buying drugs from street dealers, as the quality and potency of the drugs can vary significantly.
- Online marketplaces: Some online marketplaces sell fentanyl and other illegal drugs. These marketplaces are often based outside of the United States and can be challenging to regulate. It is essential to be cautious when buying drugs online, as the quality and potency of the drugs can vary significantly.
- Naloxone, sold under the name Narcan, is a prescription medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
- The risk is especially high among persons who are not tolerant to the drugs effects (opioid-naïve) and may not be aware that the drugs they use contain fentanyl.
- Be sure they don’t aspirate (inhale) the vomit by putting them in the recovery position if they’re unconscious.
- A similar percentage chose to use their drugs with other people (instead of alone) so someone would be around to call 911 or give them naloxone (Narcan), if needed, to reverse an opioid overdose.
- The bill, known as Senate Bill 164, was part of a group of 8 other bills sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Preventing Fentanyl Overdoses
Fentanyl overdoses are a significant public health concern, and it is essential to take precautions to prevent them. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of a fentanyl overdose:
- Avoid using fentanyl outside of a medical setting.
- Never use fentanyl alone.
- Use fentanyl only under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.
- Use a fentanyl test strip to check for the presence of fentanyl in other drugs.
- Carry naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid drugs black market overdoses, with you when using fentanyl.
Conclusion
Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that can cause serious harm or even death when misused. It is essential to understand the risks associated with fentanyl and to take precautions when using it. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional or a trusted treatment center.
