Opioids in Volusia County: Recovery expert says fentanyl test strips can save lives

DELTONA — If it were up to Karen Chrapek, everyone would have access to Narcan.

"It should be part of a regular first aid kit," Chrapek, executive director of Volusia Recovery Alliance, said of the nasal spray that reverses an overdose.

Another tool that Chrapek and other recovery experts hope to see lessen the number of overdoses in the state was only recently legalized.

Fentanyl test strips, previously treated as drug paraphernalia, were decriminalized by Gov. Ron DeSantis less than a month ago.

"[It's] just one legislative step the DeSantis administration is taking to curb overdoses, which have steadily increased in the state as the drug supply becomes polluted with illicit drugs," Chrapek said during a recent town hall here addressing opioid addiction.

Studies show fentanyl test strips, which are endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can reduce the risk of having an overdose.

"We hope to have them soon, but we need funding for it," Chrapek said.

While the test strips do not show the potency or amount of fentanyl present, knowing the product is tainted can result in the user changing how they take the drug.

Healthcare professional and town hall attendee Kayla Tufariello said it's important that people suffering from substance abuse disorder also have access to Narcan, and if they're going to use drugs, be encouraged not to do so alone.

"We tend to find that people who are using drugs have been responsible for a lot of overdose reversals, and so it's important that they get access to it, too," Tufariello said.

How to use Narcan: A visual explainer on treating a fentanyl overdose

What are opioids?

Opioids are a class of pain-relieving drugs, some of which are legally available through a prescribing doctor.

Prescription opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine and methadone, according to the CDC.

Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid, the illegal production and distribution of which has been on the rise, according to the CDC.

Heroin is an illegal opioid made from morphine that is often used along with other drugs or alcohol.

In 2020, nearly 75% of drug overdose deaths involved an opioid, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

What about 'tranq?'

Chrapek said xylazine, commonly called tranq, was found in the system of more than 220 people who fatally overdosed in Volusia County since the beginning of 2022.

Tranq is a powerful, nonopioid animal sedative not meant for human consumption.

This spring, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency issued a warning about the increasing threat of "tranq dope," a combination of xylazine and fentanyl that has been found in 48 states.

"People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis — the rotting of human tissue — that may lead to amputation," the DEA's warning states.

According to the DEA, the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels in Mexico are responsible for the majority of the fentanyl, which is made from chemicals largely sourced from China, that is being trafficked into the U.S.

Chrapek said even though tranq doesn't respond to Narcan, the nasal spray should still be used in the case of an overdose as the person likely has other opioids in their system.

'Bonafide dealers'

While local overdose numbers have been on the decline, finding, convicting and putting away convicted drug dealers is an ongoing battle for local law enforcement.

"Your typical user five years ago is now a dealer because it's so cheap to buy," said Detective Sgt. Jimmie Carlisle, who leads the Volusia sheriff's Deltona narcotics team.

Carlisle spoke about the opioid issue during the town hall on July 12 held at City Hall.

"You can take a minor amount of heroin and put a little bit of fentanyl and any other type of powder, which they call cut, and make more," Carlisle said. "They're getting high for free and making a little cash to buy their next round."

He estimated at least half of the people suspected of dealing drugs in Volusia County come over from Seminole County.

"We're trying to focus on bonafide dealers," Carlisle said.

Commissioner Dana McCool asked about repeat offenders and why some accused dealers are always in and out of jail.

Carlisle said Sheriff Mike Chitwood gave the narcotics team more leeway for making undercover purchases, which allows them to build a stronger case with multiple charges against a suspect.

He said what the suspects are convicted of and the sentence they receive is ultimately up to a judge.

Carlisle said the sheriff's office provides resources to people who have suffered an overdose and lived.

"Some people are tired," Carlisle. "And they're sick and tired of being sick and tired."

Need Narcan?

Chrapek said she hopes the decline in overdose deaths is partly due to the amount of Narcan the Volusia Recovery Alliance has distributed in the region.

Since contracting less than two years ago with the Department of Children and Families, which provides the Narcan, Volusia Recovery Alliance has distributed more than 10,389 kits.

Volusia Recovery Alliance typically holds training on using Narcan in the areas experiencing higher overdose numbers, but they can be requested.

Call 386-777-PEER (7337) to reach Volusia Recovery Alliance.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Opioid overdoses: How experts in Volusia are combating drug problem