SAFETY ALERT: How to protect your family from fentanyl
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - After Richmond County deputies made the biggest meth bust in county history, we’re on your side with what resources are out there for those struggling with drug addiction.
On Sunday, deputies seized more than 20,000 grams of meth and more than 2,300 grams of fentanyl.
We calculated that the amount of fentanyl would’ve been able to kill nearly 1.2 million people.
Now, experts are explaining how you can keep yourself and your family safe from these deadly drugs.
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With the latest record-breaking drug sting in the books, the message isn’t just about getting the drug off the street, but to give help to those suffering from substance abuse.
We spoke with experts who say one of the most important steps the general public can take right now is to destigmatize the way they think about those who suffer.
It’s not a new story that local agencies give out these fentanyl test strips.
What is new, however, is some of the stigmatisms around the drug, like just touching a small trace will kill you or fentanyl is laced in everything.
“Fentanyl test strips are a huge thing now because you’re able to test your drugs to see if fentanyl is present in them and they are available at any major drug store fairly affordable. I think that right now they’re running about $10 a box,” said Opioid Public Health Analyst Beverly Brown.
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Experts say they hope if someone does find a positive test in their drug of choice that they see the possible dangers of the drug and move forward into taking their first steps to recovery.
“We want you to know that the district does have help out there. There are several recovery centers. There are several places for you to go and get the help that you need. So, we want to just destigmatize the feeling of embarrassment or feeling down and encourage people to seek the treatment that they need,” said Brown.
By providing these test strips experts are not promoting drug use, but it is better to be safe by buying or even visiting sites, like the Byllesby Center, where they give out free testing strips in hopes it is the first step for you or someone you know who is recovering.
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