More people die of opioid overdoses in Wisconsin than car crashes. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is driving overdose deaths. People are often unaware that their drugs contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl. One way to reduce risk of overdose is to make fentanyl testing strips available. UWM now offers the testing strips to students for free at the Student Health and Wellness Center dispensary.
For people who use illicit drugs or prescriptions pills that are obtained anywhere other than a licensed pharmacy, testing drugs for fentanyl allows them to make educated decisions about their safety.
Check out these upcoming events to learn more about how to use the test strips and other life-saving strategies:
- Overdose Prevention Table: Thursday, Sept. 28 from 1-4 p.m. at the Golda Meir Library. Free fentanyl test strips and Narcan will be available while supplies last.
- Learn how to recognize and respond to signs of overdose, including how to give Narcan, at the upcoming You Can Help! Stop Overdose training on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Student Health and Wellness Center. Online registration encouraged.
Test strips as part of your safety plan
Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder and injectables).
A negative fentanyl test result does not guarantee safety. Even in the case of a negative test, drugs may still contain fentanyl or other harmful substances. That means test strips should be used as part of a larger safety plan. While not using drugs is the safest and healthiest choice, these additional steps can lower the risk of fatal overdose for those who do:
- Don’t use drugs alone and tell others around you that you are using in case they need to help.
- If using with others, take turns to watch and wait before the next person uses.
- If you are alone, use the Overdose Prevention Hotline at Never Use Alone: 800-484-3731.
- Have Narcan (the opioid overdose reversal drug) ready before using and tell others where it is. Visit the Narcan at UWM website to learn where to get free Narcan.
- Always start with a small amount and go slow.
- Avoid mixing drugs, including alcohol.
- Call 911 if you notice any signs of overdose. Opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Don’t let concern about getting in trouble stop you from calling for help. UWM’s victim assistance policy and Wisconsin Good Samaritan laws prioritize safety over citations for people who are drinking or using drugs.
- Reach out if you think you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol or other drugs. Please contact a professional at the Student Health and Wellness Center or the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Help Line. Help is available and people with substance use problems can and do get better.
