Drugs, particularly opiates, are often laced with fentanyl, and the test strips help the drug user identify...
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TREASURE ISLAND, FLA. — On Monday, Aug. 7, the president of a Treasure Island drug rehabilitation facility applauded the state government’s recent decision to legalize fentanyl test strips.
Drugs, particularly opiates, are often laced with fentanyl, and the test strips help the drug user identify the presence of fentanyl in the drugs he or she might be taking. However, stimulants are increasingly being laced with the deadly drug too, and unsuspecting users of cocaine and methamphetamine may be ingesting fentanyl too.
The law, which took effect in early July, was a bipartisan effort by the state legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) that John Templeton, the President of Footprints Beachside Recovery Center, says will save lives.
“Any tool that we can use to help prevent overdose deaths should be made widely available to the public,” said Templeton. “Fentanyl is one of the most potent drugs on the market, and ingesting just a tiny bit of it can be fatal. If we can save just one life using fentanyl test strips, I am in favor of them, and I suspect they will save many, many more than just one life.”
In about half of the United States, the test strips are still considered to be illegal drug paraphernalia, and some critics say they enable drug use. Templeton sees the issue differently.
“St. Petersburg had the highest rate of fentanyl overdose deaths in Florida last year, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,” said Templeton. “Right here in south Florida, we are in triage mode when it comes to overdose deaths. If we can save someone’s life today, we at least have a chance to help that person recover from substance abuse tomorrow, and buying that time is critical to solving this complex problem.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 68% of drug overdose deaths, about 75,000 in total, were linked to fentanyl last year.
Fentanyl test strips can be purchased on Amazon. Five strips cost $10.
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction and are looking for treatment in the Tampa Bay area, please contact Footprints Beachside Recovery Center by visiting www.FootprintsBeachside.com or calling 727.353.9484.
