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Fentanyl Test Strips Tennessee Opioid Addiction

Additional Layers of Safety

Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl test strips are a simple but powerful harm-reduction tool designed to help prevent overdose deaths. These small, paper-based strips allow individuals to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl before use. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is far more potent than heroin or morphine and is increasingly found mixed into other substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills—often without the user’s knowledge.

Using a fentanyl test strip is straightforward. A small amount of the substance is mixed with water, and the strip is dipped into the solution. Within minutes, the strip indicates whether fentanyl is detected. While the strips do not measure potency or identify every synthetic opioid, they provide a critical warning that fentanyl may be present.

Research and real-world data show that when people know fentanyl is in a drug supply, many change their behavior—using smaller amounts, not using alone, carrying naloxone, or avoiding use altogether. These behavior changes significantly reduce overdose risk.

Fentanyl test strips are widely distributed through harm-reduction programs, community health organizations, and public health initiatives. They are nonjudgmental, low-cost, and evidence-based tools that save lives. By increasing awareness and empowering individuals with information, fentanyl test strips play an essential role in addressing the ongoing overdose crisis and connecting people to care, treatment, and recovery resources when they are ready.

Why Fentanyl Test Strips Matter

Fentanyl test strips matter because they save lives in an increasingly unpredictable drug supply. Fentanyl is extremely potent and often mixed into drugs without a person’s knowledge, dramatically increasing overdose risk. Test strips provide a simple, fast way to detect fentanyl before use, giving people critical information to make safer choices. When fentanyl is detected, individuals are more likely to use smaller amounts, avoid using alone, and carry naloxone. These behavior changes significantly reduce fatal overdoses. As a low-cost, evidence-based harm reduction tool, fentanyl test strips help prevent deaths, reduce fear, and create opportunities for education, support, and connection to treatment.

Fentanyl Test Strips

A How to Guide in Overdose Prevention
How to Use Fentanyl Test Strips

How Are Fentanyl Test Strips Used

Fentanyl test strips are simple to use and provide results in minutes. First, dissolve a small amount of the substance in clean water. This step is important because the strip is designed to detect fentanyl in a liquid solution, not directly from a powder or pill.

Next, dip the test strip into the liquid up to the indicated line and hold it there for about 10–15 seconds. Remove the strip and place it on a flat surface. After one to two minutes, read the result. One line typically means fentanyl is detected, while two lines mean fentanyl was not detected. It’s important to follow the instructions provided, as results may vary slightly by manufacturer.

If fentanyl is detected, people often take steps to reduce overdose risk, such as using less, not using alone, having naloxone nearby, or choosing not to use at all. While test strips don’t measure strength or detect every synthetic opioid, they offer a critical warning and support safer decision-making.

DISCLAIMER

TRUE Addiction & Behavioral Health does not condone, promote, or encourage the use of opioids, fentanyl, or any illicit substances. The information provided is for educational and harm-reduction purposes only and is intended to support individuals who may be struggling with substance use disorders. Our goal is to reduce overdose risk, protect life, and create pathways to treatment, recovery, and long-term wellness. TRUE is committed to compassionate, evidence-based care and encourages anyone affected by addiction to seek professional help and support.

Products
Tennessee Legalization of Fentanyl Test Strips in 2022

Overdoses Prevented by Fentanyl Test Strips

Since Tennessee decriminalized fentanyl test strips (FTS) in 2022, these low-cost harm reduction tools have become widely distributed and used across the state as part of overdose prevention efforts. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) has distributed tens of thousands of test strips to individuals and through community programs, making it easier for people to check drugs for the presence of fentanyl before use.

Evidence from harm-reduction initiatives shows that when people test their drugs and discover fentanyl, many choose safer behaviors—such as using less, testing small samples, not using alone, and ensuring naloxone is nearby—which can directly reduce the risk of fatal overdose. Although formal statewide overdose statistics specific to FTS are limited, TDMHSAS reported strong demand for the strips, and local programs such as Shelby County’s health department include FTS in free harm reduction kits alongside naloxone to prevent overdose.

Research also indicates that individuals who use fentanyl test strips are significantly more likely to engage in overdose risk-reducing behaviors.

By providing people with actionable information about fentanyl’s presence in drugs, these strips function as an important tool that helps save lives and connects individuals to additional resources and support.

Other Testing Methods

Other Testing Methods for Safer Decision Making

Other Test Strips

Xylazine Test Strips – Detect the presence of xylazine, a veterinary sedative sometimes found mixed into the illicit drug supply.

General Drug Checking Strips (MET1000-style) – These lateral-flow strips can detect specific drugs such as amphetamine, cocaine, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, opiates, LSD, and others in liquid or powder form, depending on the strip type.

Reagent Test Kits

These aren’t strips but are commonly used at community events or by individuals to presumptively identify substances based on chemical color reactions:

  • Marquis reagent – Often used to test MDMA, amphetamines, and some opiates.
  • Mandelin reagent – Useful for detecting ketamine, PMA, and other compounds.
  • Mecke reagent – Helps identify alkaloids and other substances.
  • Dille–Koppanyi and Ehrlich’s reagents – Used to presumptively detect barbiturates or certain tryptamines like LSD or DMT.

Other Drug-Checking Approaches

FTIR & lab tests – Advanced technologies like Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy can more accurately analyze composition, often available through community drug-checking programs.

Note: None of these methods can guarantee safety or purity, and they do not measure potency—they simply provide information that may support safer decisions.

Harm Reduction Saves Lives

Making an Impact

The Philosophy Behind Drug Testing Kits

The philosophy behind drug testing kits is rooted in harm reduction and public health, recognizing that people deserve accurate information to protect their lives. Drug checking does not encourage substance use; instead, it acknowledges the reality of an unpredictable drug supply and prioritizes safety, dignity, and informed choice. By identifying hidden substances like fentanyl or xylazine, testing kits empower individuals to reduce overdose risk, change unsafe behaviors, and seek help when needed. This approach meets people where they are, reduces preventable deaths, and creates opportunities for education, trust-building, and connection to treatment, recovery services, and long-term support.

Get the Help You Deserve

TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health is committed to providing treatment suited to you. Drugs and mental health challenges do not define you. We are committed to reconnect you with the TRUE you. At TRUE, we don’t shape you to fit the treatment. We shape the treatment to serve you. We’re always ready to help those who need renewal. We will answer all of your questions and help in any way we can. Reach out to us If you’re prepared to improve your quality of life and restore your wellness.