Is Your Substance Real?

Updated guidance & verified resources for testing, naloxone access, and safer use — Minnesota & national.

70%+
of overdose deaths involve synthetic opioids
1 in 4
counterfeit pills contain lethal fentanyl doses
100%
preventable with proper education

Testing Methods

Learn about fentanyl test strips, reagent kits, and FTIR testing to check substances for adulterants.

Learn About Testing

Overdose Response

Know the signs of overdose and how to respond with naloxone, rescue breathing, and emergency protocols.

Emergency Response

Local Resources

Find Minnesota-specific harm reduction programs, naloxone access points, and verified organizations.

Find Resources

Safety Tips

Practical harm reduction strategies including testing, dosing, and creating a safety plan.

Safety Tips

Why This Matters

Understanding the Risks

Counterfeit "prescription" pills and unexpected adulterants (like fentanyl and xylazine) are widespread. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has driven large increases in overdose deaths. Xylazine ("tranq") is a non-opioid veterinary sedative that does not respond to naloxone and increases risk of severe wounds and prolonged sedation. Treat unknown pills as potentially lethal.

Key Statistics

  • Over 70% of drug overdose deaths involve synthetic opioids like fentanyl
  • Xylazine-positive overdose deaths increased significantly in recent years
  • Many counterfeit pills contain lethal doses of fentanyl

Sources: CDC — Fentanyl Testing Guidance, CDC — Xylazine, MN Dept of Health — Drug Overdose Prevention.

Testing — What Works & What Doesn't

Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS)

FTS are a fast, low-cost tool to check for fentanyl in pills, powders, or residue. They can lower risk by informing choices — but they are not perfect.

  • Follow manufacturer instructions exactly (sample size, dilution). Improper use is a common cause of false results.
  • FTS can miss some fentanyl analogs depending on strip sensitivity and sample concentration — a negative result is not a guarantee of safety.
  • FTS do not detect xylazine; xylazine test strips (XTS) exist but are newer and not yet as widely distributed.

Reagent Kits & FTIR

Reagent color tests (Marquis, Mecke, Mandelin) can indicate some drug classes (MDMA, some opioids, certain stimulants) but cannot reliably detect fentanyl and can be fooled by carefully pressed counterfeits. Use reagents as one tool — not the only tool.

FTIR / laboratory & event-based checking (spectrometers) identify a broader range of substances and are the most informative option when available. Many harm-reduction programs and some festivals offer FTIR or GC-MS testing events.

Important:

No testing method is 100% accurate. Always use multiple harm reduction strategies together.

Source: DanceSafe — testing resources & reagent supplies, SAMHSA Overdose Prevention & Response Toolkit (PDF).

How To Test — Practical Steps

Step-by-Step Testing Process

  1. Prepare a clean surface & tools. Use a sterile container, clean utensil, and fresh water for dissolving samples.
  2. Take only a tiny sample. For pills: scrape a very small corner (do not consume the scraped powder). For powders: use a pea-size amount.
  3. Use FTS first (if available): dissolve the tiny sample in water exactly per strip instructions and apply the strip. Wait the specified time before reading.
  4. If available, get FTIR testing. If an FTIR or lab service is available (SSP, event testing, safe recovery sites), submit the sample for a more complete reading.
  5. Remember limitations: Negative FTS does not equal safe; reagent tests don't detect fentanyl reliably; xylazine requires separate testing.

If you don't have reliable testing:

Do not assume safety. Consider not using the substance. If someone chooses to use, use a very small test dose, do not use alone, avoid mixing depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines), and have naloxone and a sober person present.

Testing Best Practices

  • Always test a small amount first
  • Use multiple testing methods when possible
  • Understand the limitations of each test
  • Never use a substance that tests positive for unexpected substances

Overdose Response — Quick Checklist

Emergency Response Protocol

  1. Call 911 immediately. Tell dispatch: "Suspected overdose; not breathing" and give the location.
  2. Give naloxone (Narcan) if available. Nasal or injectable naloxone reverses opioid effects (including fentanyl) and should be given right away.
  3. Start rescue breathing or CPR if the person is not breathing or has inadequate breathing.
  4. Place in recovery position (on their side) if they are breathing after naloxone, and stay until EMS arrives.
  5. Give additional naloxone doses every 2–3 minutes if there is no response, and continue until help arrives.

Recognizing Overdose Symptoms

  • Unresponsiveness or cannot be woken up
  • Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
  • Blue or gray lips/fingernails
  • Gurgling sounds or snoring
  • Cold, clammy skin

Legal Protections

Legal protections: Minnesota's Good Samaritan / overdose immunity laws protect callers from certain drug possession charges when they call for medical assistance during an overdose. See Minnesota statute: Minn. Stat. §604A.05.

Sources: SAMHSA Overdose Prevention & Response Toolkit (PDF, 2025), CDC testing guidance.

Verified Resources — Minnesota & National

Trusted Organizations & Programs

Below are trusted organizations, guides, and programs you can link to or contact. All links go to official resource pages.

SAMHSA — Overdose Prevention & Response Toolkit (2025)

Comprehensive, up-to-date guidance for preventing & responding to overdose.

Open PDF

Minnesota Dept. of Health — Overdose & Opioids

State dashboards, harm reduction program info, xylazine resources.

Visit Site

Steve Rummler HOPE Network (MN)

Statewide Naloxone Access Points, mail naloxone, trainings, and FTS distribution.

Visit Site

Minnesota DHS — Safe Recovery Sites

State program information and implementation updates for safer recovery sites.

Visit Site

DanceSafe — Test Strips & Reagent Supplies

Reagent color charts, FTS, and testing supplies for peer programs and individuals.

Visit Shop

Never Use Alone (Remote Spotting)

Peer-run line to stay on the phone with someone while they use and call for help if needed.

Visit Site

CDC — Fentanyl & Xylazine Info

Practical guidance on testing, xylazine harms, and public health alerts.

Visit Site

Harm Reduction Coalition — Resource Center

Training materials, policy guides, and technical assistance for programs.

Visit Site

Practical Harm-Reduction Tips

Essential Safety Practices

  • Carry naloxone every time. In Minnesota, naloxone is available through pharmacies and statewide programs.
  • Start low & go slow. If you choose to use, test a tiny amount first and wait at least 30–60 minutes before considering more.
  • Don't mix depressants. Opioids + benzodiazepines or alcohol greatly increase overdose risk.
  • Don't use alone. Use with a trusted person or a service like Never Use Alone.
  • Watch for wounds with xylazine exposure — xylazine can cause severe skin ulcers; seek wound care early.
  • Have a safety plan and make sure someone knows where you are.
  • Stay hydrated but avoid overhydration.
  • Take breaks and listen to your body.

Creating a Safety Plan

  1. Identify a sober friend to check on you
  2. Have naloxone readily available
  3. Know the signs of overdose
  4. Have emergency contacts saved in your phone
  5. Know your location to provide to 911 if needed

Key Takeaways

No pill is worth your life. Test what you can, carry naloxone, never use alone, and call 911 if someone is overdosing. If you want, PLURderapolis can print pocket cards or run trainings at your booth — get in touch through our contact page.

Remember:

Your safety and the safety of those around you is the highest priority. When in doubt, don't use. When concerned, call for help.

Community Support

PLURderapolis is committed to providing evidence-based harm reduction information and resources. We believe in meeting people where they're at and reducing the risks associated with drug use without judgment.