For young people…
Before you were probably even born, anti-drug programs targeted young people with the slogan “Just Say No.”
Current scientific research and “plain common sense” shows that those attempts failed. Programs now engage using real, meaningful, honest, and intelligent conversation. We want to reinforce the importance of essential social skills needed to resist pressure to try drugs, while also providing tools to navigate life’s inevitable challenges. Don’t be afraid to communicate with your loved ones about substance use.
To be clear, we are not advocating the use of any non-prescribed drugs or substances. If you are still considering using illicit substancess, then please at least read the following precautions.
What Is Resposible Drug Use?
Illegal drugs not regulated by prescription are unpredictable. Unmonitored strength and purity of illicit drugs you risk addiction, infection, and serious side effects. The straight answer is: Responsible drug use is when you are prescribed medication by a licensed healthcare professional.
Reduce your harm. Be responsible by employing the same principles applicable to alcohol: avoiding hazardous situations, excessive doses, and hazardous combinations of drugs; avoid injection; and do not use drugs while doing unsafe activities. Drug use can be comparable to skiing, skydiving, surfing, or mountain climbing. Minimize risks by using caution and common sense.
Illicit drugs are currently illegal and potentially dangerous in the United States. Risks for harm outweigh any temporary benefits especially with random added ingredients such as fentanyl, carfentanil, and isotonitazene just to name a few. Unregulated additives in illicit substances can be unpredictable with people with sensitivities to drug interactions.
Music festival organizers may provide services designed to inform you about responsible drug education, drug testing, and how to dispose of dangerously laced drugs. Results show significant reductions in the workload of festivals’ medics, welfare teams, and police officers. If attending an event, make sure to visit these sites if needed.
DRUG TESTING (General testing information)
Fentanyl “test strips” and “Reagent Kits” are legal and available in some States (check the laws in your area) which claim to provide 96 to 98% accuracy for the presence of fentanyl, carfentanil, or other natural and synthetic opioids in powder form. Pills are a bit trickier to test, as the amount of lethal fentanyl can be concealed in various parts of the illicit pill (i.e.) if you were to break the pill in half for instance, the small amount of fentanyl or carfentanil that can kill you could be in one half of the pill and the other half didn’t contain the fentanyl. DISCLAIMER: It is NOT recommended by N.O.P.E. to rely on the fentanyl test strips for the presents of fentanyl in the illicit drugs you are testing. We believe that this might give the user a false sense of security, (i.e.) the portion of the pill/powder that you test might not contain the deadly fentanyl. Please Note: The potency of today’s fentanyl requires less quantity to kill you.
Other testing methods for detecting fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are Mass spectrometry (MS), Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, (LC-MS) Ion Mobility Spectrometry, as well as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
The spectrometry and Spectroscopy technologies are very accurate and very expensive, these methods are typically used by The United States Customs, DEA, and other law enforcement agencies worldwide. It’s unlikely that the average person will have access to these testing devices. More detail below on these technologies.
Be Aware of Fake Pills
Any drug that can be stamped into a pill form can be counterfeited. Xanax, oxycodone, hydrocodone, Norco, Ecstasy, just to name a few.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA,) in 2023, six out of ten illicit pills seized contain at least traces of fentanyl. Many drugs sold illicitly look almost identical to the prescription version. This makes it difficult to know if drugs they buy are real or a potentially more dangerous or even lethal. Fentanyl is used as an additive (or cut) primarily for its added potency and fast acting onset (creating an intense immediate effect.) It is also cheap to produce and more addictive than other opioids.
“There is no safe way of taking illegal drugs. Any drugs that are not prescribed by a licensed pharmacist, or licensed healthcare professional are potentially dangerous. There is no way of knowing what you’re taking.” Not knowing can lead to serious health issues or death. Illegal drugs are being mixed or cut by unqualified people and with certain synthetics like fentanyl, carfentanil (or carfentanyl), isotonitazene, and similar, leave little room for error.
Practical Information On Testing
Fentanyl Test Strips: Fentanyl test strips are commonly used for basic fentanyl testing. These strips are dipped into water and a sample of the suspected substance, and a 2 bar color system indicates (+/-) the presence of fentanyl or fentanyl analogs.
Immunoassays: Immunoassay-based tests, such as rapid urine or saliva tests, are frequently used for initial screening of fentanyl. These tests detect the presence of fentanyl or its metabolites by using antibodies that specifically bind to fentanyl molecules.
Chromatography Techniques: Gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are instrumental techniques used for fentanyl testing in forensic and analytical laboratories. These methods separate and identify fentanyl and its analogs in samples such as urine, blood, or seized substances.
Mass Spectrometry: Mass spectrometry (MS) is often coupled with chromatography techniques for accurate identification and quantification of fentanyl and its metabolites. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are powerful tools for fentanyl analysis due to their sensitivity and specificity.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: FTIR spectroscopy (FTIR) is a technique that analyzes the absorption of infrared light by molecular vibrations. It can be used for rapid identification of fentanyl and its analogs in seized substances or unknown powders.
Raman Spectroscopy: Raman spectroscopy uses laser light to analyze the vibrational energy of molecules, providing information about their chemical composition. Portable Raman spectrometers can be used for on-site fentanyl detection, enabling quick screening of suspected substances.
Colorimetric Test Kits: Colorimetric test kits are available for field testing of fentanyl and its analogs. These kits typically involve adding a sample to a test strip or solution and observing color changes to indicate the presence of fentanyl.
Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS): IMS is a rapid detection technique that ionizes molecules and measures their drift time in an electric field. Portable IMS devices, also known as “ion scanners,” are used by law enforcement for the detection of fentanyl and other illicit substances.
Reagent Kits: Can help identify the presence of fentanyl. These kits typically involve adding a small amount of the substance to a test vial with a reagent solution, and the resulting color change or reaction provides information about the presence of fentanyl.
Surface Wipe Test Kits: Some test kits are designed specifically for testing surfaces or powders for the presence of fentanyl residue. These kits typically include specialized wipes that can be swabbed on a surface or substance and then inserted into a testing solution. The appearance of a color change indicates the presence of fentanyl.
It’s important to note that fentanyl testing technologies vary in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and their suitability for different sample types. The choice of technology depends on the intended application, such as screening for fentanyl in the field, forensic analysis, or clinical testing.
Isotonitazene (aka Nitazene or Iso): ISO is a more powerful synthetic opioid. Specific pre-testing kits for it are not yet widely available. Isotonitazene, a more potent fentanyl, typically requires sophisticated laboratory testing techniques for accurate results.
Seek professional testing or assistance from healthcare providers, or local harm reduction organizations if exposed. They may be able to detect the drugs presence and provide guidance on what you need to do.
Stay updated on the most current information and resources related to Isotonitazene testing.
Does Naloxone work to reverse overdose on isotonitazene? ISO has similar analogues as fentanyl. Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, blocks isotonitazene’s activation of the mu-opioid receptor. Isotonitazene, like fentanyl and other mu-opioid receptor antagonists, binds to, and activates the mu-opioid receptor. Overdoses might require several doses of Naloxone (or Opvee) to possibly resuscitate victims of isotonitazene overdose. This synthetic opioid is an unregulated and is more potent than fentanyl.
Polydrug Use
Polydrug use means use of multiple drugs, either prescription or illicit, at the same time. It involves the consumption of different substances in combination, often with the intention of achieving specific effects or altering the overall drug experience.
Polydrug use can involve various combinations, such as mixing alcohol with other drugs, combining multiple stimulants or depressants, or using drugs that have synergistic effects when taken together. The drugs involved can include substances like alcohol, opioids, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, hallucinogens, benzodiazepines, and others.
The reasons for polydrug use can vary. Some individuals may combine drugs to enhance the desired effects, intensify the high, or counteract unwanted side effects.
Be very aware, polydrug use can significantly increase the risks associated with drug use, as the interactions between substances can be unpredictable and may lead to adverse health effects, overdose, or other dangerous outcomes.
When There A Suspected Overdose
Opioid overdose is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, it’s crucial to take swift action and call 911 emergency services. While waiting for professional help to arrive, there are several techniques that can be employed to mitigate the victim’s effects. Here are some important steps to follow:
Assess the situation: Check the person’s responsiveness by trying to wake them up and asking if they are okay. If they are unresponsive or barely responsive, it could indicate an overdose.
Call for emergency assistance: Dial emergency services (e.g., 911 in the United States) and provide them with accurate information about the situation, including the possibility of an opioid overdose. Follow their instructions and stay on the line for any further guidance.
Administer naloxone: If Naloxone or Nalmefene (also known as Narcan or Opvee) is available, administer it promptly. Naloxone or Opvee are medications that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is typically available as a nasal spray or an injection. Follow the instructions provided with the naloxone/Opvee products or by the emergency operator.
Provide rescue breathing: If the person is not breathing or their breathing is shallow, irregular, or slow, perform rescue breathing. Tilt their head back, lift their chin, and seal your mouth over theirs while pinching their nose closed. Give them two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second, and watch for their chest to rise. Continue rescue breathing every 5 seconds until medical help arrives.
Monitor vital signs: While waiting for emergency services, monitor the person’s vital signs, including their pulse and breathing. If their condition deteriorates, be prepared to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if necessary.
Stay with the person: It’s important to stay with the individual until medical professionals arrive. Be ready to provide any necessary information to the emergency responders and offer comfort and reassurance to the person experiencing the overdose.
Remember, these techniques are intended as general guidelines and should not replace professional medical assistance. Always consult local authorities or medical professionals for specific advice on responding to overdoses in your area.