Heroin is a highly addictive opiate drug. People who abuse this potent, illicit substance can quickly develop a life-threatening addiction to it. In 2021, an estimated 1.1 million people used heroin and 1.0 million had a heroin use disorder.[1]

There are several forms of heroin. This article will explore black tar heroin. You will learn:

• What black tar heroin is
• The effects of black tar heroin
• The risks of heroin abuse
• Recognizing heroin addiction
• What to expect during heroin addiction treatment
• Where to find treatment for heroin abuse or addiction

If you or someone you love struggles with heroin abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery to explore our substance abuse treatment programs. Find support during recovery, find information about treatment, or schedule an appointment by reaching out today.

What is Black Tar Heroin?

Heroin is a dangerous illicit drug derived from morphine.[2] Many people imagine white powder when they think of heroin. However, this drug is also available as a sticky, tar-like substance called black tar heroin. This form of the drug is a sticky substance that may resemble roofing tar.

Dealers import this form of heroin from Asia, Mexico, and South America.[2] This sticky, dangerous substance has many of the same effects and risks as white or brown powdered heroin. Many heroin users consider white powder heroin to be the most pure form of the drug. The black tar version is less pure and typically less expensive.

The Effects and Risks of Black Tar Heroin

Users typically inject or smoke black tar heroin. The effects of this form of heroin are similar to powdered heroin and may include:[3]

• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Cloudy thinking
• Flushed skin
• Reduced anxiety
• Dry mouth
• Heaviness in the arms and legs
• A feeling of contentment
• Nodding off

Heroin is highly addictive. The drug changes how the brain and body work. These changes can make it very hard for people to stop using heroin when they choose.

Opiates like heroin work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. These drugs affect parts of the brain involved with pleasure, reward, emotional regulation, and pain control. Over time, the brain and body adjust to the presence of heroin. If people stop taking heroin, they may experience debilitating withdrawal symptoms.

People may become addicted to heroin after using it just a few times. Long-term heroin abuse puts people at risk of serious long-term complications, including:[3,4]

• Collapsed veins
• Bacterial infections in the heart
• Insomnia
• Scars or tissue damage from repeated injections
• Erectile dysfunction
• New or worsening mental health symptoms
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Liver and kidney damage
• Lung disease

Black tar heroin in particular is linked to a rare but serious illness called wound botulism.[5] Due to its impure and sticky nature, can create an ideal environment for the bacteria that cause wound botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness that occurs when the drug is injected into the skin or muscles. This condition can lead to severe muscle paralysis and requires immediate medical attention.

Heroin users are at increased risk of overdose. A heroin overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. Symptoms of a heroin overdose include:[6]

• Shallow or stopped breathing
• Dry mouth
• Very small pupils
• Blue lips or skin
• Weak pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Uncontrollable muscle movements
• Excessive drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Coma

If someone near you is exhibiting signs of a heroin overdose, call 911 right away. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if you have it. Wait with the person until EMS arrives to provide care.

Recognizing the Signs of Heroin Addiction

All forms of heroin are dangerous and highly addictive. Anyone who abuses heroin must receive treatment and ongoing support to safely stop using it.

Recognizing heroin addiction is the first step in getting life-saving treatment. Heroin abuse typically changes how a person looks, thinks, and behaves. Some signs of heroin addiction include:

• Visible track marks on the arms or other areas of the body
• Using slang while talking about heroin use
• Becoming secretive or dishonest
• Finding spoons, lighters, syringes, or other heroin paraphernalia
• Dramatic changes in behavior, appearance, appetite, or sleep patterns
• Isolating or only spending time with other heroin users
• New legal, social, or financial problems
• Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms (muscle aches, insomnia, chills, diarrhea, cravings) if they stop using heroin

People who use heroin typically cannot choose to stop on their own. They must get comprehensive treatment and support to safely quit and avoid relapse.

What to Expect During Heroin Addiction Treatment

It can be very challenging to overcome heroin addiction. However, getting holistic treatment and continuing support can help people put addiction in the past.

Treatment for heroin addiction typically starts with a medical detox program. A detox treatment plan may consist of:

• Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, including methadone or buprenorphine
• Emotional support
• A safe, secure environment
• Round-the-clock access to treatment and medical care
• Mental health treatment

After a safe, complete detoxification, people continue comprehensive addiction treatment. Treatment plans may include:

• Mental health treatment
• Medications
• Relapse prevention education
• Behavioral therapies
• Mental health treatment
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Aftercare planning and support

Addiction treatment is available in inpatient and outpatient settings. The level of care and type of treatment you require depends on the severity of your addiction and other factors.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with heroin abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn more about black tar heroin abuse or explore our holistic treatment programs.