Test your Benzos

WEDINOS provides a drug testing service to identify what is in your pills.

Counterfeit Benzos in the UK

This year, synthetic opioids (nitazenes) have been found in counterfeit diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) pills across the UK. We urge people who use benzos and other drugs in the UK to get your supply tested. You can read the full statement from our partners at Change Grow Live, alongside other drug support charities here.

What are nitazenes?

Nitazenes are a class of strong synthetic opioids. The strength of nitazenes ranges from 1–100x the potency of fentanyl. Mixing opioids like nitazenes with benzos and other drugs can lead to an overdose. Some warning signs to look out for include:
  • Difficulty breathing: slow/shallow breaths
  • Bluish/greyish lips and complexion
  • Passing out
  • Vomiting

Nitazenes can look like anything, so the only way to know if they are in your supply is to get it tested!

Free drug testing service

One of the recommendations outlined in the statement above is to utilise drug checking/testing services. WEDINOS is a national harm reduction project supported by Public Health Wales. They provide a free, anonymous sample testing service and collect the data to understand the drug supply in Wales and across the UK. 

If you can spare a bit, sending your sample to WEDINOS can give you more information about what you actually have in your pill, powder, or other form of drug. You can then make an informed decision about how much, if at all, you will take.

Sample testing can take ~1 week, so take it easy until your anonymous results are posted online here.

Instructions on how to submit a sample can be found on their website.

Bristol

The Loop operates a drop-in drug checking service at the Bristol Drugs Project on the last Saturday of each month. Find out when the next drug checking session is, and how to get there, on their website here.

International

TripApp has a directory of drug checking services worldwide. Depending on your location, you can search for your local drug checking services, sexual health services, drug consumption rooms and more. Download TripApp here.

Nitazene testing strips

London

Release run a harm reduction hub in Aldgate East between 2–5 pm, Monday to Friday. You can turn up, chill out and access lots of harm reduction resources including nitazene, xylazine and fentanyl test strips, and naloxone. Find out more here.

Worldwide

Exchange Supplies — a harm reduction supplies distributor — now sells nitazene test strips, with worldwide shipping. A single test strip costs £2.99 incl. VAT. Though test strips are not as accurate as drug checking services (see above), they are better than not testing your pills/powder at all. 
Disclaimer: The Benzo Research Project is not affiliated in any way with services outlined on this page, unless otherwise specified. Please read the instructions and information on their websites before using their services. Following harm reduction advice can reduce, but does not always completely prevent, drug-related harms.
BENZO RESEARCH PROJECT