Black tar heroin is a notorious type of illegal opioid often found in the western United States. Even though black tar heroin isn’t as pure as other forms, it can still be dangerous, especially when cut with fentanyl.
Read on to learn more about this type of heroin and discover how to connect with effective heroin addiction treatment if you’re ready to move beyond the abuse of opioids like black tar heroin.
What Is Black Tar Heroin?
Black tar heroin is a highly addictive drug. It is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it’s illegal and has a high chance of causing addiction.
Black tar heroin is different from other types because it comes in a solid form. It looks like a black, sticky, or hard substance, just like its name suggests. This type of heroin is mostly made in Mexico and is common in the western United States.
There are two main ways people take black tar heroin:
- Injection: Injecting heroin is the most common way people think of using this deadly drug. People dissolve the drug in water and use a needle to inject it into their veins. This method is popular because the effects happen almost immediately. However, injecting has extra risks like getting HIV or hepatitis from unsafe needles.
- Smoking: Smoking black tar heroin involves putting the drug on foil and heating it with a lighter then inhaling the vapors. While this method might seem less dangerous than injecting, it still gets the drug into the bloodstream and can damage the lungs.
While some people snort powdered heroin, snorting black tar heroin is less common because of its sticky form.
The process of making black tar heroin is less refined than making powdered heroin. This makes it less potent, with purity levels around 30% – the manufacturing process caps purity levels. To make more money and increase the potency of the product, dealers mix it with other substances, increasingly fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be lethal in tiny doses.
What Are the Signs of Black Tar Heroin Addiction?
Being aware of the signs of black tar heroin addiction can help you get early treatment for yourself or a loved one. Look out for these common signs.
Physical signs
- Track marks: Visible needle marks on the arms or other body parts.
- Weight loss: Rapid and noticeable weight loss.
- Sleep problems: Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Neglecting hygiene: Poor personal hygiene and a dirty appearance.
- Scabs or sores: Scabs or sores on the skin from repeated injections.
Behavioral signs
- Secretive behavior: Being very secretive about activities and whereabouts.
- Lying or stealing: Lying or stealing to get money for drugs.
- Loss of interest: Losing interest in hobbies or activities once enjoyed.
- Relationship problems: Problems with family and friends due to drug use.
- Skipping school or work: Frequently missing school or work and not caring about the consequences.
Emotional signs
- Mood swings: Rapid changes in mood, from very happy to very sad.
- Anxiety or depression: Increased feelings of anxiety or depression.
- Irritability: Being easily annoyed or angry.
Health signs
- Nausea and vomiting: Regularly feeling nauseous or vomiting.
- Constant cough: A persistent cough, especially if smoking the drug.
- Frequent illness: Getting sick more often due to a weakened immune system.
If you notice these signs in someone, seek help. Addiction can be treated, and there are many resources available to support recovery.
What Are Black Tar Heroin Effects?
Most people addicted to heroin started by using prescription opioids. Common effects of using heroin include:
- Euphoria
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Deep relaxation
- Feeling drowsy
- Loss of coordination
- Problems thinking
- Slow breathing
- Small pupils
- Severe itching
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
Black tar heroin use can have severe long-term effects, including:
- Tetanus: A bacterial infection from dirty needles.
- Venous sclerosis: This happens when blood vessel walls get hard and unusable.
- Necrotizing fasciitis: This flesh-eating condition is caused by using dirty needles.
- Gas gangrene: A life-threatening condition from bacteria entering the bloodstream.
- Wound botulism: A serious disease from a germ entering through skin injections.
Black Tar Heroin Statistics
- Just over 1 million U.S. adults used heroin in 2022.
- 709,00 used the drug in the past month, up from 590,000 in 2021.
- Among these, 898,000 had heroin addiction.
- Around 80,000 U.S, adults inject illegal drugs like black tar heroin. People who inject drugs are at a higher risk of diseases and death. They also need more medical care. Soft tissue infections, which affect the skin and muscles, are a big problem for people who inject drugs.
- Heroin overdose deaths have gone down since 2016, with 5,871 deaths reported in 2022. Almost 80% of these deaths also involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Types of Treatment for Black Tar Heroin Addiction
Treating black tar heroin addiction is possible with the right interventions. If untreated, the condition usually gets worse.
Detox
Detox is the first step, where the body gets rid of the drug. This process is done in a safe place with medical help to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient rehab
Inpatient rehab means living at a treatment center. People get 24/7 care, therapy, and support. This is good for those who need a lot of help and a safe place to recover.
Outpatient rehab
Outpatient rehab lets people live at home and go to treatment sessions during the day. This is good for those with a supportive home environment who need less intensive care.
Therapy and counseling
Talking to a therapist can help people understand why they use drugs and learn new ways to cope. Therapy can be one-on-one or in groups.
MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
Some medications can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Doctors can prescribe these approved medications to help people stay off heroin long-term.
Support groups
Support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) offer a place to share experiences and get support from others recovering from addiction.
Life skills training
Learning skills like managing stress, finding a job, and building healthy relationships can help people stay drug-free.
Get Compassionate, Science-Backed Addiction Help at Ohio Recovery Centers
Do you need help for yourself or a loved one dealing with heroin abuse? If so, we can help you at Ohio Recovery Centers, in Cincinnati.
We treat all types of addictions and mental health issues in an outpatient setting. This lets you continue at home, work, or school while getting help. We also offer more intensive outpatient programs for anyone who needs more support.
All addictions are unique, so all our treatment programs offer a personalized blend of therapies like:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Talk therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic treatments
- Aftercare
Call our recovery experts today at 877-679-2132.
