On April 24, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced in a letter to health departments that the federal government will no longer fund several services shown to reduce overdoses and other harms associated with drug use. The letter states that federal funding will no longer be used to support services that “promote or facilitate drug use,” including overdose hotlines, safer use materials, and testing strips that detect fentanyl and other contaminants. This announcement comes as public concern grows about several dangerous synthetic and over-the-counter substances.
Social media users discussed the risks of using these drugs, emphasizing how the drug supply has become more dangerous due to the rise in synthetic opioids like cychlorphine. Some users falsely claimed that the opioid overdose treatment naloxone is not effective against cychlorphine. Others called for a ban on opioid-like substances such as tianeptine and kratom, which are widely available in smoke shops and gas stations and are sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin.”
Recommendation
Online conversations about substance regulations and harm reduction provide an opportunity to share clear, accurate information about the risks associated with opioid and opioid-like substances and ways to prevent overdoses. Messaging may explain that cychlorphine is believed to be more potent than fentanyl, may not be detected by fentanyl test strips, and may require multiple naloxone administrations to reverse an overdose. Communicators may emphasize that while these substances are legal in many states, they are not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as medications or supplements.
Emphasizing that fentanyl test strips can help prevent overdose deaths by detecting fentanyl that may be unknowingly mixed into other drugs is recommended, along with highlighting evidence that harm reduction strategies help prevent overdoses and reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. Health communicators may also share information on recognizing and preventing opioid overdoses—including how to obtain and use fentanyl test strips and naloxone, and resources for treatment of opioid abuse disorder.
Fact-checking sources: Public Good News, VCU Health
Communication resources: Read more talking points about substance use disorders and harm reduction
