Local Drug Supply


testRI is a study to find out what is in Rhode Island’s local drug supply.

 
You can get the most up-to-date information about the local drug supply from the testRI study on this page. You can check monthly for new information about the local drug sample supply and testing. Find out about how the study works and how to get involved. This two-year study is funded by the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE).

It is important to know that the samples we collect and test only show us a small part of the drug supply in Rhode Island. These results may not represent the broader drug supply in the state.

Go to: Updates | Spotlights | Testing Results | Substances Found | Resources

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Local Drug Supply Updates

 

How do supply updates work?

One of the study’s main goals is to see how drug supply changes impact people who use drugs in our community. This study tests used equipment, like pipes and syringes. We collect equipment from the community and donations from individuals or local organizations. We test samples using advanced confirmatory toxicology testing (LC-QTOF-MS). All testing takes place at the Rhode Island Hospital toxicology laboratory.

 

What do these results mean?

Our results show that local drug supplies are volatile and change often. But it is important to know that the samples we collect and test only show us a small part of the drug supply in Rhode Island. These results may not represent the broader drug supply in the state. We also don’t know whether what we tested led to an overdose.

 

Want to see more updates?

You can visit our Local Supply Update Archive to view all past updates.


Substance Spotlights

 
The samples we test contain a lot of different substances. Below are spotlights on a few substances we have found. Click on an image for more information.
 

Learn more about Fentanyl Analogs

 
Learn more about Xylalzine

 
Learn more about Tramadole

 
Learn more about Synthetic Cannabinoids

 
Learn more about Fentanyl and Xylazine in Pressed Pills

 
Learn more about Nitazenes

 

What have we tested?

Below is a list of all the samples we have tested. We show where we collected samples and what substances we found in each sample. We also show the substance the person thought they were using under the “sold as” column.

Legend:
O = Opioids; S = Stimulants; B = Benzos; C = cannabinoids; A = Other active cut; M = Starting materials/byproducts;
H = hallucinogen/dissociative; * indicated substances that make up most of a sample


If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this data, please email rachel_wightman@brown.edu



What do the substances mean?

 
You can learn more about the substances we found during our study in this glossary.
 

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this data, please email rachel_wightman@brown.edu



More Resources

 

Resources for safer drug use

In Rhode Island, you can already get supplies and services to stay safer when you use drugs. Find out where you can get syringes, naloxone, fentanyl test trips, and get tested for HIV and hepatitis C.

Safer drug use practices

Learning to take care of yourself takes time and thought. There are many that you can do to help you use drugs more safely. This includes resources in the community that you can access, as well as general suggestions to prevent overdose and infection.