Avoid Accidental Overdose with Free Fentanyl Test Strips at Center Point DAAC

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Center Point DAAC is providing free fentanyl test strips through its Redwood Empire Addictions Program (REAP) to help prevent accidental overdoses. Fentanyl test strips are easy-to-use tools that detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, allowing anyone to make safer choices and reduce their risk of fatal overdose.

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What are Fentanyl Test Strips, and Why Do You Need Them?

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Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin or morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or counterfeit pills, to increase their effects or lower their costs. However, fentanyl is also very dangerous and can cause fatal overdoses, even in small amounts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl was involved in more than 60% of opioid overdose deaths in 2019.

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One of the challenges of fentanyl is that it is hard to detect by sight, smell, or taste. You may not know if your drugs are laced with fentanyl or how much fentanyl is in them. That's why it's crucial to test your drugs before you use them, and that's where fentanyl test strips come in handy.

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Fentanyl test strips are simple and easy-to-use tools that can help you check your drugs for fentanyl contamination. They work by detecting the presence of fentanyl or its analogs (similar substances) in a liquid sample of your drug. All you need to do is dissolve a small sample of your drug in water, dip the test strip in the solution, and wait for the results. The test strip will show one or two lines indicating whether fentanyl is present or not.

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By using fentanyl test strips, you can reduce your risk of overdose and death from fentanyl-laced drugs. You can also make informed decisions about your drug use, such as using less, not using alone, or not using at all. Fentanyl test strips are not 100% accurate, and they cannot tell you how much fentanyl is in your drug, but they can give you a warning sign and help you stay safer.

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How to Get Free Fentanyl Test Strips

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If you are looking for fentanyl test strips, you are in luck. REAP, or the Redwood Empire Addictions Program is a sub-program of Center Point DAAC a non-profit organization providing substance use disorder treatment and recovery services in Sonoma County, California. REAP is a specialized program that offers medication-assisted treatments (MAT) and harm-reduction services for people with substance use disorders, as well as other services and resources, such as free HIV testing, syringe exchange services, and free Narcan kits.

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One of the services that REAP offers is free fentanyl test strips to anyone who uses drugs or knows someone who does. You don't need to be a REAP client or have insurance to get them; you can get as many as you need. There are two ways to get free fentanyl test strips from REAP:

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• Visit the REAP clinic: You can walk into the REAP clinic at 2403 Professional Drive, Suite 103, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, Monday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The staff will give you free fentanyl test strips and instructions on how to use them.

• Order them online: You can also order free fentanyl test strips online through the order form on this page and pick them up for free at our clinic. We'll prepare an envelope for you, and you'll be able to pick it up at any time our clinic is open. We'll email you to let you know your tests strips are ready and the hours when you can pick them up.

 

Getting free fentanyl test strips from REAP is easy and convenient. You don't need an appointment or a prescription, and you don't have to answer questions or provide personal information. You can also get other free supplies and services from REAP, such as syringes, sharps containers, alcohol wipes, condoms, HIV testing, and Narcan kits.

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How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips to Protect Yourself from Overdose

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Once you have your fentanyl test strips, you may wonder how to use them correctly and effectively. Here are some steps and tips on how to use fentanyl test strips to protect yourself from overdose:

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• Prepare your drug: Prepare a small sample to test before using any drug. You can use any drug, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or pills. Dissolve a small amount of your drug in water using a spoon, a bottle cap, or any other container.

  • You don't need to use much water (1 Teaspoon), just enough to cover the tip of the test strip. It's best to use sterile water. If you don't have access to any, ask staff at REAP for sterile water.

• Test your drug: After you have your drug solution, dip the test strip in it. You can use any fentanyl test strip that you get from REAP or other sources, but make sure to read the instructions on the package carefully.

  • Different test strips may have various ways of showing the results, but generally, they will show one or two lines. It would help if you dipped the test strip in the solution for about 15 seconds or as instructed. Then, you need to wait for about 3 minutes, or as directed by the instructions, to see the results.

• Read the results: After you wait for the results, you need to read them carefully and understand what they mean. Different test strips may have other ways of showing the results, but generally, they will show one or two lines. If you see one line, it means that fentanyl or its analogs are present in your drug.

  • If you see two lines, it means that fentanyl or its analogs are not present in your drug. However, it would be best if you did not rely on the test strips alone, as they are not 100% accurate, and they cannot tell you how much fentanyl is in your drug. You should always use caution and follow some harm-reduction tips, such as using less, not using alone, or not using at all.

• Reduce the harm: If you find out that your drug is laced with fentanyl or its analogs, you should take some steps to reduce the damage and prevent overdose. Here are some harm-reduction tips that you can follow:

• Use Mindfully: Fentanyl is very potent and can cause overdose even in small doses. Consider using less of your drug than you usually would or start with a smaller amount (test shot) to see how it affects you.

• Don't use alone: Using alone can be dangerous, as there may be no one to help you in case of an overdose. Using it with someone else who can call 911 or administer Narcan would be best. You can also use the Never Use Alone hotline at 1-800-484-3731, a free service that connects you with a volunteer who can stay on the phone while you use it and call for help if you don't respond.

• Don't mix drugs: Mixing drugs can increase the risk of overdose, as different medications can have different effects and interactions. You should avoid mixing opioids with other opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants.

• Have Narcan ready: Narcan, or naloxone, is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. You should always have Narcan on hand and know how to use it. You can get free Narcan kits from REAP or other sources, such as pharmacies, health clinics, or community organizations. You can call REAP at (707) 526-5299. Read our web page on how to use Narcan.

 

Using fentanyl test strips can help you protect yourself from overdose and death from fentanyl-laced drugs. However, it would be best if you did not rely on them alone, as they are not 100% accurate, and they cannot tell you how much fentanyl is in your drug. You should always use caution and follow some harm-reduction tips, such as using less, not using alone, or not using at all.

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You can also seek help and support if you want to reduce or stop your drug use. REAP and Center Point DAAC can help you with that, as they offer medication-assisted treatments and other services and resources for people with substance use disorders. You can learn more about the fentanyl test strips and other drug testing techniques and information on DanceSafe’s website here.

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How to Get Help and Support from REAP

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If you are struggling with opioid use disorder or other substance use issues, you may want to get help and support from REAP. We provided substance use disorder treatment and recovery services in Sonoma County. REAP is a specialized program that offers medication-assisted treatments (MAT) for people with opioid use disorder, as well as other drugs and alcohol, plus services and resources, such as free HIV testing, needle exchange, and Narcan kits.

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MAT is a type of treatment that combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT can help you reduce or stop your opioid use, manage your withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and improve your physical and mental health. MAT can also lower your risk of overdose and death and help you achieve and maintain recovery.

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REAP is licensed to provide methadone, a medication that works by blocking the effects of opioids and preventing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Methadone is taken orally, usually once a day, under the supervision of a doctor and a nurse. Methadone is a safe and effective medication that has been used for decades to treat opioid use disorder, and it can help you stabilize your opioid use and improve your quality of life.

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REAP also offers other MAT options and medications for people with opioid use disorder or other substance use issues. These include buprenorphine, naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate. These medications work in different ways, but they all aim to help you reduce or stop your drug or alcohol use and improve your health and well-being.

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To get started on MAT at REAP, call our admissions number (707) 544 3295. A counselor will set up an appointment to screen for services at Center Point DAAC. Insurance, such as Medi-Cal, Medicare, Partnership Health Plan, and Kaiser, are accepted for treatment or you can pay out of pocket. You will be assessed regarding your medical and substance use history at your admissions appointment, and your counselor will discuss your treatment options. After the screening appointment, you will be scheduled for intake at REAP. As part of your treatment at REAP, you may participate in counseling and other behavioral therapies, such as group sessions and individual sessions.

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REAP is more than just a MAT program. It is also a supportive community that cares about you and your health. REAP offers counseling, other behavioral therapies, referrals, and health and social services resources. REAP is a judgment-free, stigma-free, and shame-free environment where you can find hope, healing, and recovery.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder or other substance use issues, Center Point DAAC can help you. Call our admissions team at (707) 544 3295 for a screening appointment.

At Center Point DAAC we care about you and your health. They are here to support you and help you achieve your goals. They are a lifesaving program for people with substance use disorders, especially opioid use disorder.