About 80 percent of people who use heroin first used prescription opioids outside of their intended purpose. This means that heroin use often starts innocently by taking a prescribed medication for pain. As the brain and body grow dependent on the substance, which can happen in just a few weeks, a person may turn to a cheaper and more accessible alternative like heroin.
In 2022, more than five Arizonans a day died from an opioid overdose, according to the Department of Health Services. In an effort to support residents, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office is educating them on opioid treatment and prevention, with heroin identification being an important piece of the puzzle.
Wolf Creek Recovery is familiar with the opioid epidemic as we see real people and how it’s affecting them and their families. What we do know is that recovery from heroin use is possible with the right support. After detoxing from heroin, our clients receive an individualized heroin addiction treatment plan that includes a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, peer support, and encouragement with healthy activities, such as our outdoor adventure therapy.
Let’s learn more about how to identify heroin, why it matters, and where to seek support when detoxing from heroin.
Heroin Identification
People who use heroin aren’t typically “open” about their use around friends or family. Therefore, you may be picking up on something different about your loved one but you’re not sure what it is. Knowing how to identify heroin is an important step in helping someone receive support, or at the very least, starting important conversations.
Identifying Heroin From Other Types of Opioids
Identifying heroin from other types of opioids can be challenging, but there are several key characteristics and methods that can help distinguish the substance. Heroin often appears as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Other opioids, especially prescription medications, come in various forms, such as pills, capsules, tablets, and even liquids.
Heroin also has a different chemical composition (though you can’t tell this from sight alone). Some opioids (morphine, codeine) are natural, some are semi-synthetic (oxycodone, hydrocodone), and some are synthetic (fentanyl, methadone). Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine.
Another difference is the way that heroin is used. This substance is commonly injected, snorted, or smoked, while other opioids are taken orally. It also has a rapid onset of action and can produce intense euphoria which is how people become dependent on it. Specialized tests can also differentiate heroin from other opioids. These tests look for specific metabolites that are unique to heroin use, such as 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM).
The Different Colors of Heroin
Heroin can appear in different colors depending on its purity and the substances used to cut or dilute it:
- White heroin. This heroin appears as a fine, white powder and is typically the purest form of heroin. It’s often associated with Southeast Asia and mixed with sugars, starches, or powdered milk.
- Brown heroin. A light brown to dark brown powder, this type of heroin is usually less pure than white heroin and commonly produced in Afghanistan. Often, brown heroin is mixed with caffeine, sugars, and other substances.
- Black heroin. Black heroin is a sticky, tar-like substance, or it can be hard, coal-like chunks. It’s generally less pure than white or brown heroin. This type of heroin is predominantly produced in Mexico and mixed with various substances that contribute to its color and texture.
The Different Ways to Package Heroin
Heroin is packaged in many different ways, depending on the region, the type of heroin, the intended market, and the level of distribution. Small plastic bags are commonly used for street-level sales. These bags are usually clear or colored and heat-sealed or tied. They typically contain a small amount of heroin, ranging from a fraction of a gram to a few grams.
Another way to package heroin for street-level sales is by using aluminum foil. Small pieces of aluminum foil are folded into packets containing a small amount of heroin, similar to plastic bags. Glassine envelopes are more common in urban areas, and they too contain a small amount of heroin. These small, waxed envelopes are sometimes stamped with logos or brand names.
When it comes to smuggling and wholesale distribution, compressed bricks, balloons, latex gloves, vacuum-sealed bags, plastic, and cling film are more likely to be used because they can hold higher quantities of heroin.
Slang Terms for Heroin and Other Names
Heroin has numerous slang terms and other names that vary by region and context. Here are some of the most common:
- Smack
- H
- Dope
- Horse
- Junk
- Brown sugar
- China white
- White lady
- White horse
- Skag
- Dragon
- Scat
When heroin is mixed with cocaine, it’s called a speedball. Heroin mixed with MDMA is called moonrock and heroin mixed with methamphetamine is called bombitas.
Why Identification of Heroin Matters
Identifying heroin is crucial for several reasons, spanning health, legal, social, and economic aspects. Because heroin is highly potent and has a risk of overdose, especially when mixed with other substances, identifying it allows for timely medical intervention. Distinguishing heroin is also crucial for law enforcement, as they are responsible for combating illegal drug trafficking and distribution. Accurate identification can lead to arrests, plus help officials better understand heroin use patterns in different regions.
Get Treatment for Heroin Addiction in Prescott, AZ
Treating heroin use disorder (HUD) is a complex process that involves a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and support systems. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines the use of medication and behavioral therapy. The medications work to treat cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and prevent return to use. Behavioral therapies help clients recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors while learning new ways to cope. 12-step programs and support groups can also be beneficial in building support systems.
When you are ready to start recovery from heroin use, Wolf Creek Recovery is here for you. Most of our staff is in recovery, too, so we can offer compassionate care from a place of true understanding. We have various therapies to support a full recovery mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. With a combination of behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and encouragement from staff and individuals striving toward recovery alongside you, we’re able to guide our clients to comprehensive healing. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202 to build a life you love.
FAQs About the Identification of Heroin
What does heroin look like?
Heroin typically appears as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. This is different from other opioids, which usually come in pills, capsules, or tablets.
What color is heroin?
Heroin is typically a fine, white powder, though it can be different colors depending on its purity, additives, and region. For instance, white heroin commonly comes from Southeast Asia, whereas brown heroin is most likely to come from Afghanistan. Black heroin primarily comes from Mexico.
What packaging does heroin come in?
For street-level sales, heroin is most likely to come in small plastic baggies or aluminum foil. For smuggling or distribution, heroin may be packaged in compressed bricks, balloons, latex gloves, plastic, or cling film.
What are some common places people hide their heroin?
People who use heroin often hide it to avoid detection from family, friends, and law enforcement. Common hiding places include personal belongings like shoes, jewelry, wallets, and personal hygiene items. They may also hide it in their vehicles or throughout their home, such as in furniture, walls, floors, and vents.
What should I do if I find heroin?
If you find heroin, assess the situation carefully to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Don’t touch the substance, as it can be dangerous to handle with your bare hands. Alert the authorities so that it can be disposed of properly. If you know someone who may be using heroin, consider seeking support for them.
