Is Your Shit Real?

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 Methods Overview

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.

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

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.

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

Identifying Counterfeit Pills

Counterfeiters often copy shapes, logos, and coatings. Visual checks can sometimes catch obvious fakes (misprinted logos, off colors, uneven edges), but modern counterfeits are frequently indistinguishable from authentic pills. Always test.

Visual Inspection Tips

• Compare with known authentic pills when possible
• Look for inconsistencies in color, texture, and markings
• Be suspicious of pills sold outside pharmacies
• Remember: visual inspection alone is never sufficient

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: 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.

Trusted Organizations & Programs

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

Printable Resources

• SAMHSA — Overdose Prevention & Response Toolkit (PDF, 2025)
• CDC — What You Can Do to Test for Fentanyl (web guide)
• DanceSafe — Reagent Test Color Chart (PDF)
• MN Dept. of Health — Overdose Prevention Resources (state pages)

Note: These are official guidance documents and practical quick-reads you can print and hand out at booths or events.

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.

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.