Always Test Before You Consume: How to Test for Fentanyl in Colorado

The death of 5 adults from a fentanyl overdose has shaken up the state of Colorado, and the need for safety and education is greater than ever.

According to the city of Denver, fentanyl is a very powerful and potentially fatal drug. Fentanyl is an opioid that is, "up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine."

Why Fentanyl Is So Dangerous

You cannot determine if a drug contains fentanyl by look, smell, or even taste. Fentanyl can be found in pills, pure powders, and often times in cases of overdose is unknowingly mixed into common drugs like cocaine and heroin.

Despite what many believe, you CAN NOT overdose on fentanyl simply by touching it. Fentanyl must enter the bloodstream or the mucus membrane in order to cause an effect.

How Can I Test for Fentanyl in Colorado

Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are the easiest way to test your substances for the presence of fentanyl. A FTS can not tell you how much fentanyl is in a given substance, or how strong it is, but a FTS can still save you from an overdose.

Fentanyl test strips are relatively inexpensive and when it comes to potentially saving a life, the true cost is priceless.

Where to Buy Fentanyl Testing Strips in Colorado

Those who live in the city or county of Denver can receive free fentanyl test strips from the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) by following this link.

For those who reside in Mesa county, you can visit the Grand Junction Colorado Health Network, where they provide free fentanyl test strips. To learn more about the services the Colorado Health Network provides and their hours, click here.

Another amazing local Colorado organization called DanceSafe, also sells several drug testing kits, including fentanyl test strips. Many of DanceSafe's kits ship for free and are very affordable. If you're interested in purchasing fentanyl test strips from DanceSafe, follow this link.