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.

If concerns about opioid addiction are affecting your daily life, the team at our drug rehab in Cathedral City, CA can guide you through residential treatment options designed for lasting recovery.

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.

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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.

For individuals in the Milford area seeking support, our drug rehab in Milford, DE offers opioid rehabilitation, including partial hospitalization designed to address opioid dependence.

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Taking the first step toward recovery is possible — reach out to our drug rehab in Stuart, FL to learn about opioid addiction treatment options that can make a difference.


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?
 
Kaitlin

Kaitlin

Kaitlin Jones is a Digital Marketing Specialist and Team Lead at Banyan Treatment Centers. With a strong background in SEO, content strategy, and digital advertising, Kaitlin oversees the development and execution of impactful marketing campaigns that connect individuals and families with addiction and mental health treatment services. This content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne, Chief Medical Officer at Banyan Treatment Centers.