Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller calls to legalize fentanyl test strips as overdoses rise

Attorney General Tom Miller said he wants Iowa to legalize and expand access to resources that could help prevent fentanyl overdoses as the state sees a rising number of drug-related deaths.

Miller, a Democrat, said Thursday that he hopes to introduce legislation next year that would legalize fentanyl test strips, which are used to determine whether the powerful opioid is present in a pill. He also wants to further expand access to the overdose reversal drug naloxone in the state.

"There's no one thing that's going to solve this problem, but the pieces of different solutions are going to really, really make the difference," Miller said.

Fentanyl is an extremely powerful, cheap opioid that dealers often mix in with other drugs. Illicit fentanyl — which differs from legal fentanyl used to treat pain in cancer patients — is primarily smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Last week, Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, held a separate news conference to discuss the rise in fentanyl overdoses in the state and the dangers of counterfeit pills. She said the state plans to step up efforts to educate younger Iowans on the powerful drug through a public messaging campaign.

More: As drug overdose deaths rise in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds plans messaging campaign for young Iowans

The new messaging campaign for young Iowans will be an extension of the state's current multimedia campaign that focuses on suicide prevention, she said. She said she also plans to continue working to expand services for younger Iowans with substance use disorders.

Iowa saw 470 drug overdose deaths last year, up from 419 in 2020 and 350 in 2019. Reynolds said that includes a 64% increase in overdose deaths caused by opioids, of which fentanyl is becoming a much larger share.

Fentanyl is also the drug behind most overdoses in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in May reported a record 107,622 drug overdose deaths had occurred in 2021. Of those, 71,238 included fentanyl.

Miller held his news conference Thursday morning alongside Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald, who chairs the Central Iowa Drug Task Force, to call on Iowa lawmakers to pass legislation that would legalize fentanyl test strips.

More: 'It's a no-brainer': Rising adolescent overdoses prompt calls for schools to stock naloxone

Miller said he has engaged in preliminary discussions with lawmakers and so far received a "mixed reaction." He pointed to states like Georgia, which is under Republican control, and Wisconsin, which has a Republican legislature and Democratic governor, as examples of states that have recently legalized fentanyl test strips, and said he hopes support can be bipartisan.

Test strips could help people detect that fentanyl is present in a pill and either avoid the opioid or take more precautions when using it. But the strips are illegal in about half of states and currently classified in Iowa as drug paraphernalia.

Miller is also proposing to allow nonprofits and other organizations to distribute the overdose reversal drug naloxone to help save the lives. Iowa currently allows pharmacists to distribute naloxone without a prescription, but Miller said he wants to give organizations like nonprofits or businesses the ability to apply to the state to also receive naloxone to distribute.

Miller said the proposal would be part of an overall solution and also recommended Iowans not to experiment with drug use, or seek treatment if they have an addiction.

President Joe Biden earlier this year released a broad national drug control strategy aimed at reducing the surge in overdose deaths. It includes expanding access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips and sterile needles along with other efforts, including measures to curb drug traffickers.

Miller, the longest-serving attorney general in the country, is running for reelection this year and faces a challenge from Republican Brenna Bird, who has so far outraised and outspent Miller's campaign.

Signs of drug addiction

Here are common signs of drug addiction, according to the group HelpGuide:

An increased tolerance, in which you need more of the drug to experience the same effects.

A need to use drugs just to avoid withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating or shaking.

Loss of control over how much or how often you use drugs. Continuing to use them even though they cause problems such as blackouts, financial losses, depression or mood swings.

Abandonment of activities you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports and socializing, in order to use drugs.

How to get help

Iowa has set up a referral system called "Your Life Iowa" for people seeking help with a range of problems, including mental health issues and drug or alcohol abuse. The free program links Iowans with counselors and can refer them to a range of treatment options. Go to yourlifeiowa.org, call 855-581-8111, or text 855-895-8398.

The Iowa Region of Narcotics Anonymous is a group aimed at helping Iowans recover from addictions. More information is available at iowa-na.org

Ian Richardson covers the Iowa Statehouse for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at irichardson@registermedia.com, at 515-284-8254, or on Twitter at @DMRIanR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa AG Tom Miller seeks to legalize fentanyl test strips