Serenity Lane Warns of What’s Hiding in Heroin

Serenity Lane of Portland, Oregon released a new blog post discussing what substances like heroin can be “cut” with. As the oldest non-profit rehab center in the state, they utilize their knowledge and expertise to share free information with the public about substance use. They explain in their blog post what cutting is, what it means for a substance, and how it can impact the individual.

The blog explains that there are two primary ways of tampering with a substance, lacing and cutting. They’re both similar, but not exactly the same. “The biggest difference is that cutting usually means another substance is added to dilute the product or boost profit,” Serenity Lane tells the reader. “When something is laced into a substance, it usually more heavily or intentionally impacts the experience when taking the substance.”

In this article, Serenity Lane primarily focuses on things that heroin is commonly cut with. Over 24,000 people in Oregon reported using heroin in the past year, making it a relevant niche to focus on. Their goal for this blog is to help people make informed decisions about their health and to help lower the stigma around substance use. They believe that further education about the world of substance use can help increase awareness and understanding for those who are dealing with a substance use disorder.

The blog post goes into greater detail about knowing what heroin might be cut with. “When dealing with illicit substances like heroin, you can never know for sure exactly what’s inside of it. Since it is unregulated, there also isn’t an easy way to look up what exactly is in a substance you might purchase,” it states. “Dealers can use a variety of substances to cut heroin in order to boost profit and stretch out their supplies further. This can include common household items like flour or cornstarch, or non-edible items like chalk or talcum powder.”

When a substance is cut with another substance, this is known as polysubstance use. Serenity Lane takes time in this blog to explain the dangers of polysubstance use. “Whether combining two different kinds of substances, like depressants and stimulants or combining two of the same kind of substance, it can alter the side effects and experience a person has while on both or more of them.” If someone engages in polysubstance use, knowingly or unknowingly, they increase the risk of experiencing an overdose.

The blog is full of informative, factual information such as information about fentanyl in heroin, as well as the different types of heroin. Finally, they discuss ways that readers can address their heroin use and find recovery if that’s what they’re seeking.

Serenity Lane has been helping people overcome substance and alcohol use disorders since 1973. All of the programs they offer have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). They have introduced many new programs in Oregon, such as residential step-down and outpatient programs that integrate residential and outpatient services. They have also been the provider of the only Addiction Counselor Training Program in Oregon. Some of their graduates are now offering their services through several treatment programs throughout the country.

People who would like to know more about the addiction treatment services available through Serenity Lane of Portland, Oregon can visit their website or contact them by telephone or email. Serenity Lane has live people ready to help place patients from 8:00 am - 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.