Life’s a party. Whether it’s celebrating at the tailgate, a night out with friends or even a relaxing night in playing games… it’s your choice how you do you. No matter how you party, you need to be aware of the risks that are out there, and how you can kick fentanyl out.
NALOXONE TRAINING
Empower yourself to make a difference. Everyone should be informed about naloxone and how to respond to an overdose.
FENTANYL TEST STRIPS
You can test your substance(s) for fentanyl with affordable, easy-to-use strips that tell you in three minutes whether fentanyl is present.
#NOSHAME PLEDGE
Join the nationwide movement. Sign our pledge to end stigma and support others in speaking up about their own struggles.
The Chocolate Chip Cookie Problem
One of the biggest problems with fentanyl is that you have no idea how concentrated it is in your substance. When found in illicit drugs, there is no regulation or quality control — with any given use, you could have wildly different amounts of fentanyl entering your system.
The best comparison is a chocolate chip cookie. Sometimes your bite gets a small chip. Sometimes you get a larger chip. Sometimes you don’t get a chip at all. Unlike with a cookie, however, there is no way for you to visually tell what the fentanyl distribution is like in your substance. Even if you test it, you are testing that one tiny portion — the next portion (potentially one you take) could be a lethal one.
Why Fentanyl is So Risky
Potent: Fentanyl is 50-100 times stronger than other opioids. Just a little bit can cause a deadly overdose.
Hidden Danger: It’s often mixed with other drugs without users knowing.
Fast-Acting: Fentanyl works quickly, leading to sudden and severe breathing problems.
What you really need to know about fentanyl.
While medical grade fentanyl was originally developed to help cancer patients and treat end-of-life pain, the news is now dominated by stories about illicit fentanyl, which is increasingly prevalent in unregulated drug markets. Illicit fentanyl is often found mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and in many counterfeit pressed pills. Illicit fentanyl can be very dangerous for those with no tolerance, as small amounts can be enough to cause an overdose.
When it comes to pills, powders, and crystals, if you don’t know exactly where it came from: test it, never use alone, or don’t use it.
NALOXONE
naloxone
naloxone
naloxone
WHAT IS NALOXONE?
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses that’s non-addictive and available over the counter at major retailers and pharmacies. It helps people start breathing normally again when their central nervous and respiratory systems are in danger.
The best part? You don’t have to be a medical professional to give it to someone. By being prepared and carrying naloxone, you’ll be ready to help someone overdosing on heroin or other opioids including those with a prescription.
TAKE THE TRAINING AND CHALLENGE A FRIEND
In just 5 minutes, I learned how to use naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. @Friend1, @Friend2, @Friend3, take the challenge or donate to SAFE Project! #NaloxoneChallenge
hOW Naloxone WORKS
How Can I Get Naloxone?
- Pharmacy: Many pharmacies, both chain and independent, now offer naloxone without a prescription. In fact, NARCAN® (a brand name naloxone nasal spray) is now available over-the-counter!
- Insurance: Naloxone is accessible to most insurance holders for a $0 copay. Contact your health insurance provider to find out your coverage and co-pay requirements.
- Public health departments: Check with your public health department as they often distribute naloxone and may provide training on its administration.
- Community events: Keep an eye out for community events, workshops, or health fairs where naloxone may be available, and training on its use may be provided.
- Local Harm Reduction Agencies: Many are able to offer naloxone and training on how to respond to an opioid overdose, and may have other services that can be helpful for individuals who use drugs and their network. Check for resources in your state via NASEN.
- Naloxone by Mail: If none of these options above work for you, check out NEXT Distro!
How to use Fentanyl Test Strips
Testing strips test for the presence of fentanyl, but not the amount of fentanyl in the tested sample. Additionally, not all strips are consistent in their sensitivity and their ability to test for drugs similar to fentanyl, or even all of the types of fentanyl, that may also be in your drugs. Always use carefully, never use alone, and make sure you have naloxone around.
Most kits follow some variation of the below steps, with instructions varying by the substance you intend to test. Please always refer to the instructions that come with your specific testing kit.
1. Add water to an empty container like a bottle cap with residue and mix well. If using pills, break off a piece and stir into the water with a swab. Wait at least 15 seconds.
2. Dip the testing end of the test strip into the container or bottle cap. Do not dip past the thick line labeled “MAX.” Remove the strip after 15 seconds.
3. Wait two minutes until lines appear in the middle of the test strip.
4. Check the test results. One line means the substance has fentanyl in it. No substances are 100% safe.
WHERE TO GET FENTANYL TEST STRIPS
Your local Harm Reduction Agency or Health Department may offer fentanyl test strips at discounted prices or even for free. Check the resources available in your area.
There are many different brands of affordable fentanyl test strips available for purchase in stores or online at retailers like Amazon and Wal-Mart.
Please note fentanyl test strips are considered drug paraphernalia in Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, and Texas. Please check the legal status in your area.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Are you planning on going to a large event like a tailgate, concert, or festival? Tell us more here. We’d love to help supply you with materials to spread awareness and save lives!