What Does Heroin Look Like?

Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive opioid drug that causes effects like sedation, euphoria, low heart rate, and more. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 1.1 million people in the United States reported using heroin in 2021.[1]

Most people who use heroin inject the drug, however, it is possible to smoke and snort it as well. Any form of heroin use can lead to life-threatening overdoses, long-term physical health issues, and increased mental health symptoms. If you or a loved one uses heroin, you should seek help from a substance use treatment center.

It can be difficult to tell if someone you love is using heroin. That said, knowing what it looks like can help you determine if the drugs you found are, in fact, heroin. There are several different types of heroin, including a white powder, a black sticky substance, and a brownish powder.

You can also determine if your loved one is using heroin by looking for specific types of drug paraphernalia. Heroin users who inject it tend to have spoons, needles, syringes, and plastic baggies that have powdery residue on them. People who smoke or snort heroin might have rolled up dollar bills, straws, pipes, or aluminum foil.

In this article, you will learn:

• What do the different types of heroin look like?
• What drug paraphernalia is associated with heroin use?
• What are the signs of heroin use disorder?

Identifying Heroin: Knowing What the Different Types Look Like

There are three main types of heroin: white powder, black tar, and brown powder. Each type of heroin looks different from the others. If you find a powdery or sticky substance, you might be looking at heroin.

White Powder Heroin

White powder heroin originates from Mexico and South America. It is water-soluble and known for being highly potent. That said, it is usually adulterated by drug dealers, as this allows them to increase their profits.

White powder heroin can be fine or coarse, depending on whether there are adulterants in the substance. If it is fine, it is usually pure, which means it’s more potent. On the other hand, coarse white powder heroin could contain dangerous adulterants that could increase the risk of developing health issues.

Black Tar Heroin

Black tar heroin is predominantly produced in Mexico before it is smuggled into the United States. It has a solid and rock-like texture and is usually sticky, resembling tar. You can smoke, snort, and inject black tar heroin.

This form of heroin tends to be less pure than powder heroin because it contains a lot of adulterants and chemicals to create the black tar appearance. That said, it is incredibly dangerous to use and can lead to a heroin overdose.

Brown Powder Heroin

Brown powder heroin is white powder heroin that contains more adulterants. Because of this, it has a reputation for being less pure. Sometimes, brown powder heroin is created by crushing black tar heroin to make it easier to snort.

Because of its dark brown appearance and the fact that it often comes from Mexico, this type of heroin is referred to as “Mexican brown” on the street.

Identifying Heroin Paraphernalia

Heroin paraphernalia contains a range of items that are used to consume heroin. There is paraphernalia specific to injecting, snorting, and smoking heroin.

Common equipment and tools for using heroin include:

• Needles or Syringes – People use needles and syringes to inject heroin.
• Spoons or Bottle Caps – Spoons or bottle caps are used to hold powdered or tar heroin while it is being heated up to turn it into an injectable liquid.
• Cotton Balls – Cotton balls or similar materials are used as a filter when injecting heroin.
• Pipes – Glass or metal pipes might be used to smoke heroin.
• Aluminum Foil – Aluminum foil can be used in place of a pipe to smoke heroin.
• Straws or Dollar Bills – Straws or rolled-up dollar bills can be used to snort powdered heroin. Some people use straws to inhale heroin off of aluminum foil when smoking it.
• Small Plastic or Paper Baggies – You might find small plastic baggies that have powdery residue. Heroin is also sold in paper squares that have designs on them.

If you find these items in your loved one’s bedroom or belongings, they might be using heroin. Because heroin use can quickly lead to an overdose, you should always urge your loved one to seek professional help. Treatment programs can help your loved one overcome the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting heroin.

Signs Your Loved One Needs Heroin Use Disorder Treatment

If your loved one is struggling with heroin use, you might be wondering how to tell if they need professional help. Any form of heroin use should be addressed by a substance use disorder treatment center.

The main signs of heroin use disorder include:[2]

• Being unable to control how much or how often you use heroin
• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using heroin
• Wanting to quit or cut back on heroin use but being unsuccessful
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities because of heroin use
• Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work due to heroin use
• Experiencing social, physical, or mental health issues because of heroin use
• Using heroin in risky situations, such as while driving
• Experiencing urges or cravings to use heroin
• Needing to increase your dose of heroin to experience the desired effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using heroin

If your loved one has two or more of the above-mentioned symptoms, they have a substance use disorder that requires professional treatment. At Blue Star Recovery, we offer a combination of personalized and evidence-based care, making it possible for your loved one to achieve long-term recovery.

Get Connected to a Heroin Treatment Center

If you or a loved one suffers from heroin use disorder, it’s time to seek professional help. Blue Star Recovery can offer the tools and support you need to achieve lifelong sobriety.

Contact us today for more information on our heroin treatment center.

References:

1. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the Scope of Heroin Use in the United States 
2. Psychiatry Online: DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale