Fentanyl Test Strip Use and Overdose History among Individuals on Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

Background: The number of deaths from drug overdose in the United States has more than doubled in the past decade. In particular, drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl have doubled every year since 2013. Rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a useful strategy for detecting traces of fentanyl in substances and have received overwhelming support from individuals with opioid-dependence. Methods: We investigated fentanyl use, knowledge of FTS, willingness to use FTS, and overdose history among a sample of 105 individuals currently on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Results: Results showed that the majority (63%) of the sample had experienced a non-fatal overdose and that 85% of participants were willing to use FTS. The majority of participants reported concern about fentanyl in their drug supply (70%) and 77% reported likelihood of past unintentional fentanyl use. Of note, only about half (47%) of participants knew of FTS prior to being surveyed, and only 17% reported ever using FTS. Conclusion: These results expand on previous literature that documents high levels of willingness, yet low uptake of FTS among individuals on MOUD. Widespread education about FTS, in addition to the implementation of the use of FTS, is a highly promising and critical primary prevention alternative to overdose treatment and/or death due to fentanyl.

Prioritizing Harm Reduction Services to Reduce the Burden of Substance Use

“…Approximately 50% of individuals who found that their substances were contaminated with fentanyl reported planning a behavior change in response to the results, including reducing the use or disposal of the substance, and this intended behavior was associated with a reduced risk of opioid overdose (Karamouzian et al, 2018). Other evidence has suggested that individuals who use opioids, specifically, are interested in fentanyl test strips and willing to utilize them, however, do not regularly use them because of availability issues (Mistler et al, 2021).…”