safe drug use
101
find test strips
Some cities and states are making fentanyl test strips widely available. Explore harm reduction resources near you here and test EVERY TIME.
don't use alone
Fix with a friend. Develop a plan with friends or partners. Leave doors unlocked or slightly ajar for easier access. Have someone check on you frequently.
get naloxone
Check your community for naloxone accessibility. You may even find it in NaloxBoxes, which are free naloxone dispensers.
pace yourself
Start with a smaller test shot, use less at one time, and take turns so someone can monitor reactions. Avoid mixing alcohol & opioids.
fentanyl
FAQs
Fentanyl can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
Fentanyl analogs are derivative chemical compounds that carry similar effects. Some common analogs are acetylfentanyl, butyrfentanyl, carfentanil, alfentanil, sufentanil, and remifentanil. These analogs may not be detectable by fentanyl test strips.
- Counterfeit pills with brand names like Vicodin, OxyContin®, Percocet®, Adderall®, and Xanax®
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
Most fentanyl test strips on the market are between 96-100% accurate in detecting the presence of fentanyl. It is important to test EVERY time you use—the same batch of drugs can have a variable amount of fentanyl. Testing one pill in a batch doesn’t guarantee that every pill in this batch is reliable.
Note that a negative test result may still contain a fentanyl analog or too low of a detectable concentration.
Fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl and some of its analogs. They do not measure how much fentanyl is contained in a drug sample, nor do they measure the potency of the supply. Caution: There is no such thing as a pressed pill that has been tested for fentanyl since the test strips require that you dissolve the entire pill in water. Test strips do not test for every fentanyl analog.
a. Fentanyl test strips help you make a more informed choice of what you’re putting in your body. Any drug laced with fentanyl can greatly increase your risk of accidental overdose. If you choose to take the drug that tests positive for fentanyl, please take additional steps to stay safe.
b. If you choose not to take the drug that tests positive for fentanyl, please dispose of it safely by mixing it with something undesirable (like leftover coffee grounds or cat litter) and sealing it in a container so that animals, children, etc., are not accidentally exposed to it. The sealed container can be put in the trash.
7 out of 10
counterfeit pills seized by the DEA contained a lethal doses of fentanyl
source: www.dea.gov/onepill
4 years
in a row drug-related deaths remained the main cause of death in Marion County, IN
what is
harm reduction?
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. The compassion at the core of harm reduction meets people where they are on their journey & promotes safety.
rachel
“I’ve been on both sides of addiction, and almost lost my own life to a fentanyl overdose, which is why I am a huge supporter of fentanyl test strips. Harm reduction tools like these are crucial in keeping us safe. I frequently wonder how many of my friend’s lives could have been saved if test strips were free and accessible years ago. Be safe, be smart, test your stuff.”
curly
“This cause is deeply personal to me because it impacts more people than we often realize. It’s not just the “usual suspects” at risk of accidental fentanyl overdoses—it’s everyday students, coworkers, family members, and friends. It’s crucial that we equip ourselves and each other with practical tools to stay safe.”
sophia
“Fentanyl has claimed the lives of so many near and dear to me, and unfortunately, my circumstances are not unique. Testing drugs saves lives, that’s why I’m so proud to be part of this campaign.”
about
this campaign
Fentanyl overdoses don’t just happen to drug addicts or homeless people or celebrities—it can happen to anyone. Every FIVE minutes another life is claimed by an OD! But we have 20+ years of data to prove what stops overdoses…and it’s not guilt and shame. It’s harm reduction tools, like fentanyl test strips!
TEST STRIPS SAVE LIVES.
We have a long way to go to make test strips and other harm reduction tools available for FREE nationally, but Overdose Lifeline is ready to do our part.
If you’re in the Indiana area, you can get FREE test strips and naloxone.
If you live out of the state, explore our list of national resources.
It’s time we change the narrative around harm reduction.
it’s time to #striptheshame.
behind
the scenes
