Where to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
It doesn’t just affect teens. Spouses, siblings, children, uncles, cousins – anyone can fall victim to an accidental overdose.
Fentanyl has been running rampant throughout the United States for years, destroying families and causing a wake of grief in its path. Many don’t even realize they are ingesting fentanyl in the first place, adding to the dangers behind the substance.
In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized over 79 million fentanyl-laced pills and over 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl powder. Clean Recovery Centers understands the dangers of fentanyl and how it has made its way into almost all illicit substances. We are able to diagnose mental health conditions at any phase of treatment and provide education and medications as needed. How can you protect yourself against fentanyl? Let’s talk about where to buy fentanyl test strips and how they can save lives.
What Is the Purpose of Fentanyl Test Strips?
Fentanyl test strips are strips of paper that can be used to test substances for the presence of fentanyl. They are relatively easy to use and are an effective tool in helping prevent accidental fentanyl overdoses. Fentanyl test strips have had mixed reactions from lawmakers in fear that they promote substance use. In truth, fentanyl test strips actually aid in the opposite, preventing those taking substances illicitly from accidentally ingesting fentanyl. Having the knowledge that a substance is laced with fentanyl gives the person the option to not take it.
To use a fentanyl test strip, take a sample of the substance and dissolve it in some water. Dip the strip in the water for around 15-20 seconds. Let the strip sit on a flat surface for two minutes to read the results. A singular pink line on the left side indicates a positive result. Two pink lines indicate a negative result. A single pink line on the right side means the test is inconclusive and should be tested again.
Where Can I Buy Fentanyl Test Strips?
Fentanyl test strips are available for purchase. Certain retailers both in person and online have different packs of fentanyl test strips available. Prices may vary depending on how many strips are in the box.
Places in Florida to Buy Fentanyl Test Strips
Finding places to buy fentanyl test strips in Florida can be difficult. The test strips have only been legalized since 2023, meaning many retailers have not started carrying them to sell. Certain pharmacies such as CVS have started selling fentanyl test strips, but you will want to check online or by calling to make sure they have some in stock or if they carry them at all. A 10-pack of fentanyl test strips retails for $9.99 at CVS.
Buying Fentanyl Test Strips Online
One of the easiest places to find fentanyl test strips for purchase is online. Amazon is one of the largest, online retailers and has many options for fentanyl test strips. Some sizes include 2, 3, 10, 100, and 200 test strips. Prices range from $5.99-$89.99. Amazon also offers overdose kits that include both naloxone and fentanyl test strips.
BTNX, a biotechnology company, was the first to create fentanyl test strips. They offer online purchase options for test kits including 5, 10, and 100 fentanyl test strips. There are options for just test strips or a full testing kit that includes test tubes, swabs, and equipment needed for a thorough evaluation. The test strips alone range from $15 to $100 (equating to $1.00-$1.50 per test) and provide rapid results.
Free or Low-Cost Fentanyl Test Strips in Florida
Because fentanyl test trips are newly legalized in Florida, there are not many organizations or programs advertising them. County health departments are a good place to start as they can give insight into where fentanyl test strips may be found. Here is a list of health departments throughout the Suncoast:
- Florida Health Hillsborough County
Main number: (813) 307-8000
Main email: [email protected] - Florida Health Pinellas County
Main number: (727) 824-6900
Main email: [email protected] - Florida Health Pasco County
Main number: (727) 619-0300
Main email: [email protected] - Florida Health Sarasota County
Main number: (941) 861-2900
Main email: [email protected] - Florida Health Manatee County
Main number: (941) 748-0747
Local Overdose Prevention Groups and Resources Near Tampa
One of the largest overdose prevention groups near Tampa is IDEA Exchange. The program provides services to promote harm reduction as well as overdose prevention. Established in January 2021, IDEA Exchange is only the second legal needle exchange program in Florida. They offer a wide variety of services including exchanging used needles for new, clean ones, as well as supplies including alcohol wipes and bandaging. They also provide education on safety and disease prevention. HIV and hepatitis C testing along with wound care are also offered. Naloxone is distributed for free to help prevent overdoses.
Lastly, they provide treatment referrals as well as connect people to Medicaid enrollment. IDEA Exchange is working to spread awareness about harm reduction in a positive and judgment-free manner.
The Future of Test Strips and Saving Lives
Fentanyl test strips are a great way to help prevent accidental overdoses and their legalization here in Florida should encourage their use. However, fentanyl is not the only substance causing concern. Cutting agents are always changing as dealers look to find substances that will increase the “high” of their product and keep the person coming back for more.
Two of these agents are xylazine and nitazene. Xylazine is a sedative commonly used in veterinary practices for cattle. Though not an opioid itself, xylazine causes similar effects and can increase the risk of experiencing an overdose. Because it is not an opioid, however, it will not respond to naloxone, increasing the risk even more of the overdose becoming fatal.
Nitazene is a synthetic opioid that can be anywhere between 2 and 40 times more potent than fentanyl. It produces similar effects as other opioids but carries a much higher risk of experiencing an overdose. With that, it can take multiple doses of naloxone to reverse the effects.
BTNX has test strips available for both xylazine and nitazene. The strips are a little more expensive, around $3.00 per test, but are a valuable tool moving forward in the world of harm reduction and preventing accidental overdoses.
Find Help for Substance Use Disorders Today in Hillsborough County
No matter if you are taking fentanyl illicitly, worried about accidentally ingesting it, or want to help a loved one stay safe, help is available right now. Substance use can quickly escalate and take over life, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Opioid use disorders will start with a medical detox, where you will be in a safe and monitored environment while your body goes through the detoxification process. Once this process is complete, therapy, coping skill development, and self-discovery begin in fentanyl treatment.
You will work to find the root causes of your addiction and how to cope with future stresses to prevent a return to use. Support is a huge part of recovery, and finding camaraderie with your peers will help you build a strong foundation once treatment is complete. You have what it takes to recover – all you have to do is take the first step today.
Don’t give substances the power to dictate your life – take back your inner peace. Clean Recovery Centers is here with a unique, three-phase approach to addiction treatment unlike any in the area. We address all facets of addiction: spiritual, social, physical, and mental. Our dedicated team treats you with respect and compassion in a safe space designed to help you heal. Call us today at (888) 330-2532 to learn more about what our program has to offer.
Get clean. Live clean. Stay clean.
