Next time you access harm reduction supplies, ask for rapid fentanyl testing strips. This will allow you to test your drugs yourself.
Other than that, even if you’re a regular user, keep these safety tips in mind to help prevent an overdose:
- Try to find a regular dealer and ask if what you are buying is the same as what you got the last time.
- “Taste test” a small amount to make sure it tastes like what you’re used to. Or smoke a bit of it first to get an idea of how pure it is.
- Always start out with half your dose (if you use regularly) or a quarter dose (if you use occasionally). Inject in the presence of others who can care for you if something goes wrong.
Put your drugs (grain of salt amount) into a 30mL (1oz) cup of tap water
Dip the strip into the cup for 10 seconds, no deeper than the wavy line
Wait (1 minute minimum) for the red stripe to appear
One line: YES fentanyl
Two lines: NO Fentanyl
Strips cannot detect all types of fentanyl, such as carfentanil.
Regardless of results, always stay safe
- Never use alone
- Carry Naloxone