It’s not a term you may have heard, but gas station heroin is a dangerous, even life-threatening substance that may be more readily available than you realize. The term refers to a drug called tianeptine, which has been approved for mental health needs in other countries. It is not legal in any form, for any reason, in the United States.
If you are using this substance and struggling to stop doing so, English Mountain Recovery can offer help. Our opioid addiction treatment program can provide a wide range of treatment options to help you recover.
What Is Gas Station Heroin?
This term refers to tianeptine, a tricyclic antidepressant. It’s often sold under names like “ZaZa Red” or “Neptune’s Elixir.” The drug has opioid-like effects and can be just as addictive.
The drug works differently from most other antidepressants. It modulates glutamate and serotonin but does so differently as a full agonist at the mu-opioid receptor. This is much like morphine or heroin does, rather than similar to traditional antidepressants.
What is most concerning about this drug is that it has a very high level of risk for misuse. A person may be likely to take as much as 250 times the recommended therapeutic doses approved for consumption in other countries. Remember, the FDA has never approved its use in the United States.
Another factor that’s quite concerning is the availability of this substance. Because it’s not considered a narcotic at the federal level, it is frequently imported and sold as a supplement. For some time, it was sold under names like Tiana and Pegasus right on gas station checkout counters. In those situations, manufacturers marketed the product as an energy treatment, a dietary supplement, or a pain-reducing aid.
Tianeptine Use in Tennessee
In Tennessee, tianeptine is now banned. Though it can still be purchased through underhanded means and online, it is no longer allowed to be sold in stores. The government passed this measure on July 1, 2022, classifying the substance as a Schedule II substance. This means it has a high potential for abuse and can create both physical and psychological effects, including dependence. This move came after emergency rooms saw more overdoses from the drug.
What Are the Risks of Using Tianeptine?
A person using this substance may initially feel a sense of high or euphoria. That can mean reduced sensation of pain and a lift in mood. However, the drug carries significant risks in numerous ways. That includes:
- Increased agitation
- Confusion
- Lack of concentration
- Rapid and irregular heart rate
- Hypertension
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Sudden death
What’s more, the more you use it, the more likely you are to experience dependence. When dependence occurs, you may be unable to simply stop using the drug. When you try, your body may experience withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, insomnia, and intense pain. Some people may have nausea and vomiting.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate care. Our drug treatment center can provide you with the resources you need to overcome dependency on this substance.
Treatment for Misuse of Tianeptine
Those facing substance use disorder from misuse of tianeptine may benefit from addiction treatment. That includes the following:
- Overdose risks: The use of naloxone or Narcan can provide immediate help for those experiencing a significant decrease in respiration. This is an emergency treatment only.
- Detox support: If you used this drug, especially if you used it alongside other opioids, the need for a medically monitored detox may be necessary.
- Residential treatment: Inpatient care at our treatment center can provide you with a structured recovery plan. This includes individual and group therapy, holistic care, and life skills training.
When you reach out to English Mountain Recovery, we will work with you to better understand your disorder and create a treatment plan for you. If gas station heroin has infused your life with uncertainty and complications, we can offer a treatment plan that offers relief to you.
Outpatient programs may also be available to you. We also offer virtual outpatient therapy for some people. To find out how we can help you, contact us now.
Contact English Mountain Recovery Now
Take gas station heroin seriously. If you are using it, or have used it for some time, feel intense cravings for it, or face intensifying withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it, treatment is necessary and can be life-saving. Contact English Mountain Recovery now to learn more about how we can help you start on the path towards recovery.
