You never intended to take fentanyl. You were told it was something else. But you woke up to the shocking news that you had survived a fentanyl overdose. You were lucky someone was there to call for help. But how can you make sure this never happens again?
In 2020, 3,946 Californians lost their lives to fentanyl-related overdoses. Many people don’t realize they’re taking fentanyl because it’s often mixed into other substances without their knowledge. This happens for a variety of reasons, but there is a way to protect yourself: fentanyl test strips.
At Pacific Sands, we focus on real solutions that empower our clients to heal, recover, and stay safe. Today, we’ll walk you through how to test for fentanyl – because knowledge can save lives.
How Testing for Fentanyl Saves Lives
Fentanyl is an opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine. It may be cut with other illicit substances as a way for drug dealers to make it cheaper to produce and increase the supplies without sacrificing effects. Fentanyl is nearly undetectable because it can’t be smelled, tasted, or seen by the naked eye. This leaves many people unaware if what they are consuming has the substance in it or not. All it takes is a tiny amount of fentanyl to result in a life-threatening or fatal overdose.
But there is an option that does reduce this risk, and that is fentanyl test strips. These are essential tools that can prevent an overdose from happening by detecting if a substance has fentanyl in it. While they are not 100% effective, as many tests are not, they do provide an excellent way for individuals to know if a substance they are about to consume might have fentanyl in it or not. It is still crucial that people remain cautious of illicit substances even if they get a negative test result back.
Accessing Fentanyl Testing Kits in California: Locations and Options
In California, there are many places where you can obtain access to fentanyl test strips. This includes ordering them from online vendors like BTNX or Dance Safe. Both of these options involve paying a fee.
It is also possible to get fentanyl test strips in California at a reduced or no cost. Syringe Services Programs are often very helpful in that regard. These are accessible to people through the California Harm Reduction Supplies Clearinghouse.
You can also apply for and receive no-cost fentanyl test strips through Next Distro, an online program dedicated to shipping supplies to help keep people safe from substances. Clicking on the link above will allow you to sign up for their waitlist.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips, for the most part, are similar no matter where you are getting them from. However, some tests might have slightly different instructions, and depending on the type of substance you are testing, the process might not align perfectly with the steps described below. With that said, the following steps work for most substances and test strip varieties.
- Measure at least 10 mg of the substance you are testing and place it in a clean, dry container.
- Add ½ teaspoon of water for most substances to the container and mix together. For substances such as methamphetamines, MDMA, or ecstasy, 1 teaspoon for every 10 mg is required.
- Place the wavy end of the test in the water for 15 seconds.
- Take out of the water and lay flat on a surface for 2 to 5 minutes and read the results.
Your test will show 3 possible results: positive, negative, and invalid. A positive result will be a single pink line on the left-hand side. Seeing this means that the substance has fentanyl in it. Negative results are when there are 2 pink lines on the test. This does not necessarily mean that the substance is safe to consume, but it does mean that the test could not detect its presence. These tests are not 100% accurate, which means that you should still be cautious when taking that substance as there might still be fentanyl in it. Invalid tests are when no lines or a single line are on the right-hand side. Getting an invalid result means you should test it again with a new strip.
What Should You Do If Your Test Shows a Positive Result for Fentanyl?
If your test shows that the substance you have is positive for fentanyl, don’t take it. It is better to dispose of the substance than try and take it. This is because there is an increased risk of an overdose happening if you consume a substance that has tested positive for fentanyl.
Suppose you do decide to take the risk and consume the substance anyway. In that case, you must keep naloxone with you and make sure that someone is around who can call 911 if you begin to experience an overdose. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of a fentanyl overdose, which can increase your chances of receiving the life-saving care that a medical professional can provide. Ensuring there is someone nearby to call 911 also increases your chances of getting that care as soon as possible. This ensures that first responders are called and on their way to save your life.
Besides Fentanyl Test Strips, What Other Ways Keep You Safe From Fentanyl
If you do not currently have fentanyl test strips on hand, are there other ways that will keep you safe from this substance? You can take a few other safeguards to ensure your safety with a substance you don’t know what is in it. Remember that you cannot see, smell, or taste fentanyl, so it is always better to be cautious when it comes to illicit substances. Below are 4 of the best precautions to take:
Keep naloxone readily available – If you are regularly taking illicit and thus unregulated substances, you must keep naloxone on you and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. This medication will increase your chances of survival if the substance you are taking contains fentanyl or another opioid.
Do not rely on your previous experiences or sources – Illicit substances are unregulated. This means the person you got that substance from might have a different batch each time, even if it is only slightly different. These irregularities might result in a different outcome than before. Even if they were precisely the same, your body may not react similarly.
Always make sure people are around you in case of an emergency – Do not take substances alone. If there is fentanyl or any other unknown substance, it might result in an overdose. Having someone who can call 911 if you have a medical emergency increases your chances of survival.
Attend substance use disorder treatment – Ultimately, the best way to prevent a fentanyl overdose without using fentanyl test strips is not to consume any substances. If you have a substance use disorder, that might not seem like a reasonable or even possible request. That said, treatment can help provide you with the necessary tools to find healing and safety from accidental exposure to fentanyl.
Seeking Help for Substance Use Disorder in Santa Ana, CA
The risks of accidental fentanyl exposure are real, but you don’t have to face them alone. When you attend drug rehab or fentanyl detox, you are taking the necessary steps with the guidance of compassionate experts to protect yourself and ensure a healthier future. Through treatment for a substance use disorder, you will develop skills and techniques that make leaving behind any substance more manageable.
Pacific Sands is a beautiful, calming facility with a maximum of six clients. This allows us to guarantee that your needs are met. We work with you to prevent you from being accidentally exposed to fentanyl, eliminating the need to test for the substance. To learn more about our substance use disorder treatment options, call us today at 949-426-7962.
Pacific Sands – The first step towards a new life.
