What is Black Tar Heroin?

Heroin is a highly addictive, illicit opiate drug. Research from 2021 revealed that of the 1.1 million people who reported using heroin in the previous year, nearly a million developed heroin use disorder. 

Heroin is available in several forms. This article will explore a form of heroin called black tar heroin. You will learn:

• What black tar heroin is
• The risks of heroin use
• How to recognize heroin misuse and dependence
• Where to find heroin misuse treatment

If you or a loved one struggles with heroin use, you are not alone. Find treatment and recovery support at Blue Star Recovery. Learn about our supportive treatment programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our specialists today.

What is Black Tar Heroin?

Heroin is a potent, illicit drug derived from morphine. People who use it may become dependent on heroin quickly. 

The appearance of heroin depends on the processing methods used to produce it. Black tar heroin looks like a sticky, dark substance similar to roofing tar. It’s usually cheaper and less refined than the white or brown powder heroin. Because it’s made using a simpler process, black tar heroin tends to have more impurities, and it is considered a less “pure” form of heroin. 

People who use black tar heroin most commonly inject it, but they can smoke it too. Both methods of use put people at risk of dangerous short and long-term effects. 

Dealers in the United States import this form of heroin from other countries. It is most commonly produced in Mexico, South America, and parts of Asia.

This sticky, dangerous substance has many of the same effects and risks as fine white powder or brown powdered heroin. Many heroin users consider white powder heroin to be the purest form of the drug. The black tar version is less pure and typically less expensive. 

Recognizing Heroin Slang Terms

People may use slang terms to refer to heroin use and dependence. Recognizing these terms may help you identify heroin misuse and seek treatment.

Common slang terms for heroin include:

• Boy or boi
• Brown
• Beast
• White horse
• Black eagle
• Euphoria 
• China white
• Coffee
• Mexican black tar
• Dope
• Snowball
• Dark brown
• Top dog
• DragonTar
• Skag
• Feelgood
• Flyer
• GearTragic magic
• H
• Big Harry
• Horse
• Junk
• Mud
• Rush hour
• Birdie powder
• Smack
• Snow
• Bulldog
• Hero
• Sweet dreams
• Tiger

Common slang terms for using heroin include:

• Junking
• Hooked on diesel
• Using dope
• Chasing the dragon
• Chasing the boy
• Chasing the horse
• Chasing the brown
• Chasing the dragon’s tail
• Chasing the white ghost
• Chasing the tiger
• Chasing the shadow
• Chasing the dragon’s breath
• Using number 3
• Using number 4
• Addicted to Mr. Black
• Using brown sugar
• Using tar
• Riding the white horse
• Riding a Mexican horse
• Chasing the white rabbit
• Hooked on Mrs. White
• Under the spell of Lady H
• Hooked on Lady Snow
• Addicted to Lady White
• Using Lady Black
• Riding the Lady Horse
• Smashing

Using slang terms for heroin can be a sign of misuse or dependence. Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn more about recognizing and treating heroin dependence. 

The Effects and Risks of Black Tar Heroin

Users typically inject or smoke black tar heroin. The effects of this form of heroin are similar to powdered heroin.

Short-Term Effects

The effects of black tar heroin can include:

• A feeling of contentment
• Dry mouth
• Reduced anxiety
• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Nodding off
• Cloudy thinking
• Flushed skin
• Heaviness in the arms and legs

Risks of Black Tar Heroin Use

Injecting heroin and other drugs, like crack cocaine, can cause unique risks. Some of the most significant dangers of IV drug use include:

• Blood clots
• Bruising
• Collapsed veins
• Scars
• Restricted blood flow to areas of the body
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Necrotizing fasciitis
• Permanent damage to the veins
• Abscesses
• Bacterial infections
• Infections
• Ulcers

Black tar heroin, in particular, can be even more dangerous because of its impurities. Infections at injection sites, like abscesses and skin ulcers, are more common with black tar heroin. There’s also a higher risk of conditions like wound botulism and necrotizing fasciitis (a severe skin infection).

Since black tar heroin is typically impure and sticky, creating a perfect environment for bacterial growth. This bacteria may enter the bloodstream, leading to paralysis. 

Overdose

Heroin use can lead to a life-threatening overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include:

• Confusion
• Shallow or stopped breathing
• Very small pupils
• Low blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Coma
• Excessive drowsiness
• Blue lips or skin
• Weak pulse
• Uncontrollable muscle movements
• Loss of consciousness
• Disorientation

If you or someone near you exhibits signs of a heroin overdose, call 911 immediately. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if you have it. Wait with the person until help arrives. 

Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn more about the risks of black heroin use or to learn about our recovery programs. 

Recognizing and Treating Black Tar Heroin Misuse and Dependence

Heroin use is dangerous in all forms. It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of heroin use or dependence. 

Some signs of heroin misuse include:

• Scars or track marks on the arms or other areas of the body
• Using slang while talking about heroin use
• Lying or being secretive about substance use
• Paraphernalia related to heroin use, such as spoons, lighters, or syringes
• Significant changes in behavior, appearance, appetite, or sleep patterns
• Increased isolation or only spending time with other heroin users
• New legal, social, or financial problems related to heroin use
• Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms (muscle aches, insomnia, chills, diarrhea, cravings) if they stop using heroin

Treatment for heroin addiction typically starts with a medical detox program. After detox, people receive comprehensive treatment that may include:

• Assessments and screenings
• Behavioral therapies
• Medication management
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Psychoeducation
• Holistic therapies, such as exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture, nutrition support, and others
• Aftercare planning

People may attend inpatient or outpatient programs as needed. Each person follows an individualized treatment plan to meet their unique needs at every stage of recovery. 

Find Treatment for Heroin Addiction

Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn more about recognizing and treating heroin misuse. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by reaching out today. 

References:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is heroin and how is it used?
2. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Heroin
3. University of Pennsylvania: The Textures of Heroin: User Perspectives on “Black Tar” and Powder Heroin in Two US Cities
4. JAMA Network: Wound Botulism Associated With Black Tar Heroin Among Injecting Drug Users