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The Dangers of Black Tar Heroin

heroin syringe
 

Heroin has played a major role in the opioid crisis in the United States.

Several people start by abusing painkillers and neglect to get treatment for prescription pill abuse before turning to heroin as a cheaper alternative.  Soon enough, they become addicted to heroin. Even with its rising abuse, what many people may not know is that heroin can come in several forms, and all of them are dangerous.

What Is Black Tar Heroin & How Is it Different from Regular Heroin?

Black tar heroin is a specific type of heroin that is typically less refined and not as pure as normal heroin and therefore cheaper. It is illegal in the United States and sold on the street as chiva, Mexican tar, Mexican mud, black pearl, and more. True to its name, black tar heroin appears sticky and dark in color, unlike other types of heroin that tend to come in the form of a lighter powder. Black tar heroin is typically produced in Mexico before being distributed into the United States.1 Most users will dissolve black tar heroin before injecting it.

Black Tar Heroin Effects & Dangers

Like other illicit drugs, including pure heroin, there are many dangers of black tar heroin. This drug can have a negative impact on a user physically, mentally, and behaviorally that will only get worse if addiction treatment is neglected.

Some of the effects of black tar heroin include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Flushed skin
  • Nausea
  • Feeling of heavy limbs
  • Disorientation
  • Infections from injection
  • Vein problems from injection
  • Overdose
  • Addiction


One of the biggest black tar heroin dangers is that it is typically cut with other substances and mixed with additives in order to make it cheaper. Because of this, the chemical makeup of the black tar heroin can vary drastically depending on when and where it was made. It may also be mixed with other harmful chemicals without the user’s knowledge. The result could be a serious negative reaction outside the normal effects of black tar heroin or even a drug overdose.

The best way to avoid the dangers of black tar heroin is to quit your addiction as soon as possible. Our heroin treatment in Philadelphia is designed to help people overcome their addiction to this drug and take back control of their life.




If you or a loved one has a substance abuse problem, do not hesitate to ask for support. At Banyan Philadelphia, we could help you take steps toward a new beginning. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more.


Sources & References:

  1. NIH - What is heroin and how is it used?

 
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.