ReVIDA® Recovery States Fentanyl Is in Heroin

Abingdon, VA - ReVIDA® Recovery published a new blog informing the community about how fentanyl can be found in heroin. Heroin is an illegal substance that no one regulates. This means dealers can do whatever they want with their supplies without informing their customers of what is being mixed into the product. Fentanyl is very dangerous when added to heroin and can increase the risk of overdose. Recovery from heroin is the best way to avoid encountering fentanyl in heroin.

“When pure heroin is delivered to the dealer, they must choose a cutting agent in order to expand their inventory. If they used 100% pure heroin, they wouldn’t be able to sell as much of it because it would be too expensive. It would also be difficult to dose that way. They usually cut a dose into 5ths and mix it with something that looks similar, giving their heroin a new purity rate of around 10-20% of active heroin. This is easier to sell and will allow the dealer to move more inventory,” the article states.

Substance dealers will cut heroin with ingredients or other drugs including cornstarch, aspirin, sugar, and fentanyl. When it comes to fentanyl, a microscopic amount is needed to lower the amount of pure heroin while also increasing the effect heroin has on the person who consumes it. This of course can lead to overdose. Some signs of overdose include shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, pinpoint pupils, and choking sounds. If someone is suspected of experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Narcan® (naloxone) can also be administered to reverse the effects of an overdose. This is available in many stores.

Fentanyl has no taste, smell, or distinguishing characteristics. Since heroin is 100% illegal, dealers are not obligated to inform their customers that fentanyl has been added to the product. They also know there is no way to know if heroin is laced with fentanyl, except through fentanyl test strips. Fentanyl test strips are legal and widely available. These can fit in a purse or wallet.

“Most individuals are unaware that their heroin has been laced with fentanyl. This causes them to take their usual amount of heroin, not knowing that it’s essentially ‘extra strength.’ An overdose happens when too much of a substance has overwhelmed the body, causing it to stop functioning properly. Eventually, the organs begin to shut down and it becomes life-threatening,” the article continues.

Simply stopping heroin use is very difficult to attempt on one’s own. They need assistance in a safe and compassionate environment due to the symptoms of withdrawal that they will experience. This is because the body has become used to the substance and is now removing it from the system. This does not mean that healing is impossible. People find healing from heroin use every day.

ReVIDA® Recovery is a Suboxone® (buprenorphine) clinic that aims to help people reclaim their lives. They offer same-day appointments to help people start their treatment journey. With several locations throughout Tennessee and Virginia, people who use heroin can find healing close to home. They also offer personalized assistance, including helping with court letters, applying for aid, housing services, CPS, and finding a job.

Those who wish to learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery and their various treatment options can call 423-631-0432 or visit their website for more information.