Understanding Fentanyl: Why It’s So Dangerous & How to Stay Safe

The growing reports of opioid overdose deaths are overwhelming. And the rising numbers don’t make it any easier. If you’re feeling worried—about yourself, your family, or someone close to you—you’re not alone. According to the CDC, fentanyl is now involved in about 76% of opioid overdose deaths in the United States, a statistic that underscores just how serious this crisis has become.

What makes it even more frightening is how often fentanyl is mixed into other drugs without anyone realizing it. It’s understandable to feel concerned, even helpless, in the face of these risks. But understanding fentanyl, its dangers, and how to stay safe can help you take meaningful steps to protect yourself and those you care about.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. Doctors sometimes prescribe it to treat severe pain, especially after surgery. It is often used in hospitals under close supervision. However, fentanyl is now found more often in illegal drug markets. People sometimes buy what they believe to be prescription opioids or other drugs, only to end up with substances laced with fentanyl.

When misused or without medical supervision, fentanyl can be very harmful. Because it is so powerful, even a minimal amount can be life-threatening. This risk becomes worse when fentanyl gets mixed with other substances like cocaine or ecstasy. Sometimes, people do not even know they are taking fentanyl. That is one reason authorities are saying "one pill can kill" as so many recent overdose deaths have been attributed to unexpected fentanyl contamination in other drugs.

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Why Is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

The main danger lies in its strength. Small doses can slow your breathing so much that your body shuts down, leading to an opioid overdose. This can happen before you even realize you are in trouble. When fentanyl is mixed with other drugs, it becomes even more unpredictable. People might think they are taking one substance but receive a much stronger opioid.

This often leads to a dangerous situation where just one pill or one dose can be enough to cause an overdose. As a result, the number of deaths from fentanyl overdoses continues to grow. Public health experts warn that using any non-prescribed pill is now a high-risk activity, especially if it might contain fentanyl.

How Fentanyl Can Appear in Other Drugs

Part of the reason fentanyl is dangerous is its invisibility. You can’t see, smell, or taste it, which means you cannot know if it’s there without testing the drug.

Drug dealers and drug cartels frequently lace substances with fentanyl because it’s inexpensive to produce and dramatically increases the potency of their products. This practice puts unsuspecting users at extreme risk. Fentanyl has been found in pills disguised as prescription opioids like oxycodone, in fake pills made to look like medications, and even mixed with drugs like cocaine and ecstasy.

How to Stay Safe and Reduce Risks

1. Avoid Drug Use Altogether

The safest option is to avoid using drugs entirely. This might sound simple, but it can be challenging if you or someone you care about struggles with substance use disorder. If that is the case, please know help is available. You do not have to face this alone.

2. Use Fentanyl Test Strips

If you or a loved one does feel at risk of encountering fentanyl, fentanyl test strips can detect whether the drug is present in a powder or a crushed pill. They are not foolproof, but they do lower the risk of an unexpected overdose. Remember, a negative result does not guarantee total safety, so caution is still necessary.

3. Recognize Overdose Signs

An overdose can happen suddenly. If you see someone who has very slow or stopped breathing, is unconscious, or has bluish lips or fingertips, treat that as an emergency and call 911 right away. You should also give naloxone (often known by the brand name Narcan) if it is available. Naloxone reverses opioid overdose by blocking the opioid’s effect on the brain, and it can save a life.

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4. Carry Narcan (Naloxone)

Naloxone kits are available at many pharmacies and community organizations. You do not need a prescription in most places. Having a kit on hand can make the difference between life and death if an overdose occurs. Public health agencies often provide Narcan at low or no cost, so you can ask about free programs in your area.

5. Harm Reduction Approaches

Some communities focus on harm reduction to lower the risk of infection, overdose, and other health issues. Harm reduction programs often offer clean syringes, naloxone training, and information about safer use practices. Their goal is to support people who use drugs and to prevent further harm. They also serve as a point of contact for people to enter drug addiction treatment programs or other forms of help.

Mental Health Care and Fentanyl Use

Many people who develop a substance use disorder are also dealing with emotional pain or stress. Mental health care can address underlying issues like anxiety, depression, or unresolved childhood trauma. Counseling or therapy helps you learn healthier ways to cope. You also gain support that can help you move away from drug use.

Remember, you do not have to handle everything on your own. A licensed therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor is there to guide and support you. They help you work on a treatment plan for your needs and challenges. This plan often includes therapy, medication, and group support.

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Finding Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

1. Drug Addiction Treatment Programs

Drug addiction treatment programs offer structured help through inpatient or outpatient settings. They often include detox services, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment. These programs give you the tools to stop drug use and maintain long-term health.

2. Support Groups

Groups like Narcotics Anonymous or other community support groups can provide a sense of connection. They let you share experiences with people who understand your challenges. They also offer encouragement to stay on track. Support from peers makes a big difference in your addiction recovery journey.

3. Family Involvement

Family members can play an essential role in recovery. They often notice changes in behavior before anyone else. When a family learns how to support a loved one and set healthy boundaries, it creates a more stable environment for healing. Encourage open, non-judgmental communication. Offer to help with finding resources or simply be there to listen.

If you or someone you care about has a substance use disorder, please remember that help is available. A treatment plan can involve drug addiction treatment programs, therapy, and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous. You also have the option of including family members who want to help. All these resources work together to keep you or your loved one safe and supported.

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Where to Buy Fentanyl Testing Strips in Texas

If you're concerned about the presence of fentanyl in drugs you or someone you know may be using, fentanyl testing strips (FTS) can be an essential tool to help ensure your safety. These testing strips detect the presence of fentanyl in a sample of drugs, allowing you to make informed decisions about your drug use and potentially avoid overdose.

This article will outline where to buy fentanyl testing strips in Texas and provide information on their availability. But first, let's look at the fentanyl crisis in Texas and what the state is doing to combat the spread of fentanyl and save lives

 

What are Fentanyl Testing Strips?

Fentanyl testing strips are small pieces of paper coated with a chemical reagent that reacts to the presence of fentanyl. They work by detecting the presence of fentanyl in different drugs (heroin, meth, cocaine, etc.) and drug forms (powder, injectables, and pills). These drug testing technologies serve as harm reduction strategies, providing essential information about fentanyl in the illicit drug supply so they can take steps to reduce the risk of overdose. 

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Image courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips:

  1. Prepare a small amount (at least 10mg) of the substance you want to test and place it in a clean, dry container.
  2. Add water to the container and mix the substance and water. For most drugs, you need ½ teaspoon of water. However, if you are testing methamphetamines, use one full teaspoon.
  3. Take the fentanyl test strip out of its packaging and hold it by the end without the wavy lines.
  4. Dip the wavy end of the test strip down into the mixture, ensuring the end is fully submerged in the liquid.
  5. Hold the strip in the liquid for about 15 seconds, allowing it to absorb the mixture fully.
  6. Remove it from the liquid and put it on a flat surface.
  7. Wait 2 to 5 minutes for the test results to appear.
  8. A single pink line indicates the presence of fentanyl or fentanyl analog in the drugs.
  9. Two pink lines indicate the absence of fentanyl or a fentanyl analog in the drugs. 

Fentanyl Crisis in Texas

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. When used for medical reasons, prescription opioids, including fentanyl, are safe and effective for pain relief. However, illicitly produced and distributed fentanyl is life-threatening and has contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis in Texas and the US. 

In recent years, fentanyl has been increasingly found in other illicit drugs such as counterfeit pills, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. And considering the potency of fentanyl, even a small amount can be deadly. This has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths related to fentanyl use, as many people may not realize they are consuming the drug.

The opioid crisis is a public health crisis in Texas. According to the CDC, there were over 5,000 drug overdose cases in Texas between October 2021 and October 2022. Fatalities involving fentanyl in Texas increased 399%, from 333 deaths in 2019 to 1,662 deaths in 2021. And as mentioned earlier, most people who ingested "their substance of choice" had no idea it was laced with the synthetic opioid.

Drug dealers and suppliers often cut illicit drugs with substances like fentanyl to increase potency and profit margins. This has created a dangerous and unpredictable drug market in Texas, where individuals unknowingly risk their lives every time they use drugs.

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What's Being Done to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis?

The recent push for the legalization of fentanyl testing strips in Texas is part of a larger effort to combat the ongoing opioid crisis in the state. Like many other states, Texas has seen a surge in fentanyl-related deaths in recent years, and lawmakers are looking for solutions to this crisis. 

In response to the opioid epidemic, the state launched the "Texas Fights Fentanyl" campaign in 2021 to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and promote prevention efforts. Furthermore, on April 11th, 2023, the Texas House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to legalize fentanyl testing strips, with the bill now heading to the Senate for approval.  

The bill, authored by Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Harris County, would allow the sale and distribution of fentanyl testing strips to the public, which can help individuals test their drugs for the presence of fentanyl. 

If the bill is passed, it would mean that drug users could test their drugs for fentanyl before consuming them, potentially saving countless lives. Employers could also use fentanyl testing strips to test their employees for drug use, particularly in industries where safety is a concern. 

Are Fentanyl Testing Strips Banned in Texas?

Unfortunately, at the moment, these strips are classified as paraphernalia and are, therefore, illegal for people to perform tests for recreational use. This legal classification has limited the availability and accessibility of these life-saving testing strips, leaving many individuals at risk of accidental fentanyl poisoning.

Accessing Fentanyl Test Strips in TX

Currently, fentanyl test strips are banned in Texas, and carrying them is a crime. However, if you are a healthcare professional or a law enforcement agency looking to purchase fentanyl test strips for legitimate purposes, you may be able to obtain them from your local health department, needle exchange program, community-based organization, or online retailers that specialize in drug testing products. Some reputable companies that sell fentanyl test strips include bankpolice.com, amazon, and dancesafe.org. 

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More Drug Overdose Prevention Strategies

Fentanyl testing strips is just one tool in the toolbox of effective drug overdose prevention strategies. Other strategies include the following:

As the fentanyl crisis continues to devastate communities in Texas and across the United States, it's essential to take action to protect yourself and your loved ones. A critical tool in this fight is fentanyl testing strips, which can help identify the presence of this dangerous drug in other substances.

However, these strips are not foolproof and should be used with other harm reduction strategies, such as seeking professional addiction treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we highly recommend seeking the help of a reputable treatment center like More Than Rehab. Our experienced and compassionate team can provide the support and guidance needed to overcome addiction and start on the path to recovery. We offer various services, including detox, inpatient and outpatient, and mental health services. Remember, addiction is a disease, but it is treatable.

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