Local Rehab Posts Heroin Identification Blog

Greenland, NH - Addiction Recovery Services recently published a blog discussing how to identify heroin in the community. Because heroin looks like other illicit substances, it can be impossible to tell if it is heroin just by looking at it. It can look like hydrocodone or fentanyl. People mix heroin with fentanyl, and while test strips for fentanyl exist, they are illegal in New Hampshire. If fentanyl test strips were to become legal in the future, it would reduce accidental overdoses throughout the state.

“Being able to identify heroin is important in protecting yourself or your loved one. Dealers have no organization putting regulations in place, and they are free to do what they please. If your regular dealer runs out of heroin and decides to sell you cocaine instead, he does not have to tell you the difference. This can be especially dangerous as cocaine is a stimulant, and by taking it thinking it is heroin, it is likely you’ll have an adverse reaction or even overdose,” the blog post states.

Typically, heroin comes in a powder form or a tar known as black tar. The powdered form can be white, off-white, tan, or brown. The black tar can look similar to chewed tobacco. People who use heroin will snort, smoke, or inject, depending on which type it is. Those who have a heroin use disorder might have heroin paraphernalia that they have hidden. These items might include spoons, needles, syringes, and rubber bands they use for their heroin. Heroin can have several street names. These include smack, black dragon, dope, and horse.

Heroin can also come in different packaging. Black tar heroin can be wrapped in plastic and look similar to laundry or dishwasher pods. Heroin has been in cut balloons, plastic wraps, or aluminum foil. This packaging protects the heroin from moisture as well as prevents spilling. When smuggled, people have found it in gloves or condoms. It has also been in storage compartments in suitcases and travel bags. People who smuggle heroin put it in these locations because it allows them to be undetected, which ultimately allows the substance to make it to the dealers.

One of the reasons someone might be resistant to seeking treatment is because of heroin withdrawal. The symptoms associated with withdrawal are unpleasant and can encourage someone to return to use. However, treatment can help keep the person comfortable as they discover the root cause of their heroin use disorder. Treatment often involves a combination of individual and group therapy that teaches someone coping and life skills that will give them strength in everyday life. Treatment restores balance to the mind and body.

“If you discover your loved one overdosing, knowing that the substance is heroin can help first responders provide the most effective treatment. This saves valuable time to prevent permanent damage from happening. Recognizing the side effects of heroin use can help you address your loved one before an overdose occurs and confirm that opioids are being used,” the blog post continues.

Addiction Recovery Services treats the person, not the problem. They focus on harm reduction that highlights one’s personal choice. They also offer flexible IOP for students and workers. They provide medication-assisted therapy (MAT) on-site, and they work with clients to set it up after they have completed their time at the facility.

For more information about Addiction Recovery Services, visit their website or call them at 978-228-5853.