You deserve to know what you're taking. Not judgment. Not lectures. Just straight facts so you can stay alive and make informed choices. That's harm reduction.
We're Rebel PHX—a DJ & musician collective committed to harm reduction and safer nightlife. We distribute naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and accurate info because we keep us safe.
FENTANYL TEST STRIPS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What They Are:
Test strips show if fentanyl might be in your drugs. They test a small sample. That's it. They don't tell you how strong your drugs are, and a negative result doesn't guarantee safety—but they're one tool to lower overdose risk.
What You'll Need:
- One fentanyl test strip
- A tiny bit of your drug or residue (powder, crushed pill, or residue from a bag)
- Water (tap is fine)
- Something small to mix in (bottle cap, shot glass, cooker, or even a baggie)
How to Test (Step by Step):
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Get a Sample
Use a small amount—not your whole dose, just enough to test. Powder, crushed pill, or even bag residue works.
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Mix With Water
Add about 10 drops of water (or roughly 1/2 teaspoon) to your sample. Stir or shake it well until the drug and water are fully mixed. You want it to look uniform.
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Dip the Strip
Hold the strip by the solid end (the non-wavy part). Dip the wavy/printed end into the liquid for about 15 seconds. Don't go past the marked line on the strip.
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Lay It Flat & Wait
Place the strip on a clean, flat surface. Wait 1–2 minutes for lines to show up. (Check the package timing if it says something different.) Be patient—lines can take a minute or two to fully appear.
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Read the Result
ONE LINE = POSITIVE Fentanyl (or a similar opioid) was likely detected in the sample. TWO LINES (even if the second line is faint) = NEGATIVE The strip did NOT detect fentanyl in that sample.
If It's Positive:
Fentanyl showed up. Here's what to do:
- Use way less than you normally would.
- Go slower; try smaller amounts first and wait to feel effects.
- Tell someone you trust what you're using so they can check on you.
- Make sure naloxone is close and someone knows how to use it.
- Avoid mixing with other downers (alcohol, benzos) if you can—that combo is riskier.
If It's Negative:
The strip didn't detect fentanyl in that sample. Remember:
- It only means THAT sample didn't have fentanyl.
- Other parts of the batch might still have it.
- Go slow anyway. New source = new risk.
- Keep naloxone nearby. It's still smart.
NALOXONE (NARCAN) REVERSES OPIOID OVERDOSE
What It Is:
Naloxone is a medication that reverses an opioid overdose. It works fast and can bring someone back to breathing. It's not a cure—it buys time so you can call 911 and get help.
Signs of an Overdose:
- No response to shaking or yelling
- Unconscious or unresponsive
- Skin pale/clammy or blue/gray lips or fingernails
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Choking/gurgling sounds
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. ACT NOW.
NASAL SPRAY VERSION:
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Call 911 First
(Or have someone call while you help.)
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Open the Box
Remove the nasal spray.
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Remove the Safety Clip
Take off the blue or purple safety cap from the nozzle.
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Tilt the Head
Tilt the person's head back slightly.
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Insert the Nozzle
Place the nozzle into one nostril (doesn't matter which). Push it in until it fits snugly.
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Press the Plunger
Press down firmly all the way. You'll hear a click—that means it worked.
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Remove and Position
Take the spray out. Immediately put the person on their SIDE (recovery position: one leg bent, head tilted back to keep the airway clear).
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Stay With Them
Naloxone works in 2–3 minutes. The person will come to, probably confused or angry—that's normal, they're alive. BUT: Naloxone only lasts 30–90 minutes. The opioids are still in their system. If the effect wears off before the ambulance arrives, they can overdose again. DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE. ALWAYS WAIT FOR 911.
INJECTABLE NALOXONE (STANDARD SYRINGE & VIAL): THE ACCESSIBLE OPTION
Why Injectable?
- Two-dose kit costs us about 30 cents to source and package.
- Nasal spray costs venues and orgs $30–40 per two-dose kit.
- That means we can get naloxone to MORE PEOPLE for LESS MONEY.
- Works just as fast and just as well as nasal spray.
- No corporate markup. No gatekeeping.
- Every community should have naloxone. Cost shouldn't be a barrier.
What You'll Need:
- Two 1 mL syringes with needles (or one syringe, used twice if needed)
- Two naloxone vials (1 mg/mL each, 1 mL = one dose)
- Clean surfaces to prepare
How to Prepare:
1. Open the naloxone vial (twist or pop off the plastic cap).
2. Attach the needle to your syringe if it's not already attached. Remove the needle cap.
3. Turn the vial upside down and insert the needle through the rubber stopper into the liquid.
4. Pull back on the syringe plunger to draw up 1 mL of naloxone (that's one dose).
5. Keep the needle tip in the liquid so you don't draw air. Pull the needle down as the liquid level drops.
How to Inject (When Someone Is Overdosing):
FIRST: Call 911.
THEN: Find the injection site.
- Best sites: outer thigh muscle (top-outer area) OR upper arm muscle.
- You can inject through clothing if needed—don't waste time undressing them.
Hold the syringe like a dart.
- Push the needle straight into the muscle at a 90-degree angle.
- Press the plunger all the way down to inject the full 1 mL dose.
Pull the needle straight out.
- Put the person in recovery position (on their side, head tilted back to keep airway clear).
Monitor them.
- Naloxone takes 2–5 minutes to work with IM injection.
- If the person does NOT respond after 2–3 minutes (not breathing better, still unresponsive), give a SECOND dose in the other arm or thigh using the second syringe and vial.
- You can give additional doses every 2–3 minutes until they respond or EMS arrives.
- STAY WITH THEM. Don't leave until 911 arrives.
NALOXONE WILL NOT HURT SOMEONE WHO ISN'T OVERDOSING.
(It just blocks opioids; if they're not on opioids, nothing happens.)
ALWAYS CALL 911. Even if naloxone works and the person "seems fine," call for help.
THE PERSON MAY GET SICK, ANGRY, OR CONFUSED. That's normal. They're alive.
KEEP US SAFE: GENERAL OVERDOSE PREVENTION
USE LESS.
Go slower. Try smaller amounts first and wait to feel effects before using more.
DON'T USE ALONE.
If you must, have someone you trust check on you by phone or video.
FENTANYL IS FAST.
Don't assume your usual dose is safe with a new batch or source.
NEW SOURCE = NEW RISK.
Every supply is different. Treat it like you've never used it before.
DON'T MIX WITH OTHER DOWNERS.
Alcohol + opioids, benzos + opioids—these combos are more dangerous.
NALOXONE NEARBY.
Have it in your crew. Multiple people should know where it is and how to use it.
YOU DESERVE TO BE ALIVE.
No matter why you use, you deserve support, accurate info, and safety. Period.
WANT TO DISTRIBUTE NALOXONE IN YOUR SPACE?
You run a venue. You throw events. You work at a nonprofit. You organize mutual aid. You want naloxone available in your community but don't know where to start.
We can help.
REBEL PHX OFFERS:
- Detailed training on how to give naloxone (written, video, or in-person)
- Pre-packaged two-dose naloxone kits (about 30 cents each)
- Bulk sourcing for venues, bars, nonprofits, and community orgs
- Support setting up naloxone stations at events or locations
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:
- Music venues & clubs
- Bars & nightlife spaces
- Nonprofits & social services
- Harm reduction groups
- Mutual aid networks
- Community events & organizers
- Anyone serious about keeping people alive
Reach out. Let's work together. Cost shouldn't be a barrier to saving lives.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: [INSERT EMAIL]
Signal: [INSERT SIGNAL NUMBER]
Instagram: @rebel.phx
Or find us at events in the Phoenix music scene.
We keep us safe. You can too.
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