Rehab Publicly Answers: What is Liquid Heroin

Greeneville, TN – ReVIDA® Recovery recently released an article answering the question “What is liquid heroin?” They have been providing outpatient treatment services throughout the Appalachian area for years and also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

“The term ‘liquid heroin’ refers to two kinds of substances. One comes from black tar heroin and the other comes from a mixture of cough syrup and soda (also known as ‘Lean’). In other words, one form of liquid heroin comes from heroin itself, while the other form doesn’t contain heroin at all.

Both forms of liquid heroin produce an opioid-like ‘high’ while being cost-effective for the person using them. Both of these forms are also highly dangerous. Anyone who uses them regularly risks becoming addicted and possibly even overdosing,” the article states.

Black tar heroin contains many impurities, making it inexpensive. Powdered heroin which most are familiar with goes through a refinement process that is rigorous and requires more time. Black tar heroin skips some of the steps in the process, creating an impure version of heroin. The appearance of black tar heroin is sticky, thick, and black to brownish-black. While less pure, it is just as strong as powdered heroin.

Lean is the other substance that is often referred to as liquid heroin. It can be made using cough syrup containing codeine and a mixer like soda. Sometimes it is mixed with candy or sugar. Lean doesn’t need to be injected, it is meant for drinking, similar to a mixed alcoholic beverage. It is also easier to find than black tar or powdered heroin, especially for teenagers who have access to their parent’s medicine cabinets. Lean is often thought of as safer than heroin, but it causes a myriad of health problems.

“The appearance of liquid heroin varies depending on whether it’s black tar or Lean. Black tar looks almost like liquid mud, while Lean can look like any other mixed soda drink. If you’re worried about someone in your home using liquid heroin, you can keep your eye out for the paraphernalia associated with these, such as eye droppers, needles, soda cups, candy wrappers, rubber bands, and spoons. You can also keep an eye out for the signs of heroin addiction in your loved one,” the article continues.

Symptoms of black tar heroin use include slurred speech, fatigue, mood swings like euphoria/depression, high levels of anxiety, loss of consciousness, disorientation, and hallucinations. Symptoms of lean use include confusion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and coma. While some think lean is a safer option because it doesn’t contain heroin, it poses just as much risk for adverse effects. Black tar is also just as dangerous as powdered heroin. All forms of heroin are illegal and pose a high risk of organ damage, dependency, and possible legal trouble.

ReVIDA® Recovery has been empowering those throughout Tennessee and Virginia for years to find their recovery from opioid use disorder. They utilize proven methods through MAT that have provided hope for those who have not been successful in finding their recovery in the past. Paired with flexible, outpatient programming, their treatments fit a variety of schedules and different demographics. They also have case managers to help with housing, grocery needs, continuing education, extended therapy, and finding a job.

To learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery, call 423-631-0432 or visit their website.