Gas station heroin is the street name for a type of over-the-counter anti-depressant that can produce an opioid-like euphoria in high doses. It is a highly addictive substance and can cause serious health issues that are similar to opioid abuse. In some cases, abusing gas station heroin can lead to trying harder drugs that can cause more serious health complications. Enrolling in a substance abuse treatment program offers a comprehensive addiction treatment program that includes behavioral therapy and medical support.
At True Self Recovery, our mission is to see you healthy and sober, and we offer several effective addiction treatment programs to make that happen. Therapists will work with you in private and group therapy sessions to uncover the root cause of the addiction. During group therapy, they will teach you new coping and communication skills that you will practice with your peers. To learn more about our substance abuse treatments and other programs, call (888) 596-2608 today.
What Is Tianeptine?
Tianeptine is a tricyclic anti-depressant that, when taken in high doses, can cause opioid-like intoxication. It is sold under the brand names Stablon and Coaxial to treat major depressive disorders, as well as treating anxiety, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome. Tianeptine is not approved by the Food & Drug Administration due to its highly addictive properties and is currently illegal in several states.
Tianeptine is commonly referred to as gas station heroin, ZaZa, Red Dawn, and Tianna. While not an opioid, high doses of tianeptine can cause similar symptoms, which include euphoria, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. With long-term abuse, tianeptine abuse can cause:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
At True Self Recovery, we are well aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and will educate you and your family on those dangers. Being well-informed about the unhealthy effects of addiction is a critical step in the recovery process.
The Dangers of Gas Station Heroin
While gas station heroin is not as potent as heroin or other opioids, abusing this drug can just as dangerous. As their tolerance levels increase, they are more likely to switch to harder drugs to continue to feel the same high. Some of the dangers of gas station heroin include:
Brain Damage
Abusing gas station heroin can cause toxic leukoencephalopathy. The toxins damage white matter in the brain and impact the way neural messages are sent and received. Symptoms include cognitive decline, problems with balance and coordination, headaches, vision impairment, and seizures. Fortunately, the effects of gas station heroin are reversible when the person enrolls in an addiction treatment program and abstains from all drugs and alcohol.
Increased Tolerance Levels
Tolerance levels will increase the more you abuse drugs or alcohol. This means that the amount you take will produce less of a euphoric response, causing most people to take more than necessary. Those who use drugs and alcohol for that euphoria are more likely to switch to heroin or stronger opioids to feel the same high. If they take the same amount of regular heroin, it can cause an overdose, coma, or death after one dose.
Withdrawal Symptoms and Overdose
If you are abusing gas station heroin and stop taking it suddenly, you will experience increasingly painful withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings for the drug. Symptoms generally start within 6-12 hours from your last use and will peak around 72 hours. Symptoms include constipation, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and pains, tremors, sweating, and other symptoms.
Those who try to quit without professional support are more likely to relapse during peak withdrawals.
Join True Self Recovery for Our Beneficial Substance Abuse Treatment Program
At True Self Recovery, we welcome veterans, busy students and professionals, stay-at-home mothers, members of the LGBTQ community, and anyone else struggling with addiction. We have extensive experience treating all types of addiction using a combination of behavioral therapy and medical support. Patients will participate in group and private therapy sessions where they will develop new coping skills and healthy relationships with their peers.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact True Self Recovery at (888) 596-2608 today to stop the abuse and get back to your healthy and happy self.
