One of the most dangerous illegal opioids, heroin is typically sold in three different forms: black tar, brown powder, and white powder. However, keep in mind that (as the names hint) the ingredients can greatly vary among different products. For example, some forms of heroin might contain more potent forms of the opioid and a mixture of additional toxic chemicals that can produce dangerous side effects. Typical heroin contains diacetylmorphine and fillers, which can sometimes contain dangerous opiates like fentanyl or plain white powders that are not drugs. Still, what do people consume when they use heroin? What kinds of ingredients can be found in this dangerous drug mixture? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Psychoactive Components
First of all, let’s keep in mind that the primary ingredient in heroin is diacetylmorphine (diamorphine), a dangerous painkiller derived from the opium poppy (specifically in the latex-like sap of the seeds). Ultimately, drug dealers and manufacturers use this product to create the synthetic heroin, and diacetylmorphine also serves as a means of ensuring dependency (very quickly). Due to the presence of dangerous opiates like fentanyl, some heroin users have been using strip tests to determine if they have a “clean batch.” Due to the euphoric high produced by heroin, dealers can easily cut fentanyl or crystal meth into a batch, as the user won’t know the difference.
Dirty Heroin Components
For a more unnerving example of what is put into heroin, let’s take a closer look at the “unclean” varieties of the drug, simply called black tar and brown powder. Maintaining the appearance of a sticky black ball, “black tar” heroin is the pure, unrefined form of heroin which contains partially processed opiates and a variety of toxins. On the other hand, “brown powder” heroin (black tar cut with lactose) is a bridging point to white powder, the most common form of heroin that has the highest potential for contamination.
Seeking Treatment for Heroin Addiction
As the opioid crisis continues to wreak havoc across the United States, you can take the first steps to ensure that you do not fall victim to this unfortunate health emergency. However, in the unfortunate case that you suffer from opioid addiction or abuse, you can always turn your life around. Nothing is impossible, if you know where to look for resource. If you, a friend, or loved one is suffering from a severe case of opioid use disorder, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these substances. The time to take back control of your life is now.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn about how you can overcome your opioid abuse or addiction problems today.
