What Is Heroin Cut With?

Key Takeaways

Heroin sold on the streets is rarely pure, often containing various substances added through cutting. This article covers:

• Inert fillers and harmful chemicals are commonly used to cut heroin, altering its potency and composition.
• Various health risks are associated with cut heroin, such as increased risk of overdose and toxicity.
• Proactive approaches such as harm reduction strategies are crucial in addressing the dangers of cut heroin.

Introduction To Heroin Cutting

Heroin, a highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine, is infamous for its potent and euphoria-inducing effects. It is typically sold in different forms, such as white powder or brownish powder or as a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. This powerful drug can be consumed through various routes, including injection, smoking, or snorting.

One of the concerning practices associated with heroin is known as cutting. Heroin cutting refers to the practice of mixing heroin with other substances, often to increase its volume, alter its potency, or enhance its effects. These added substances are known as “cutting agents.” Cutting heroin is a common practice among illicit drug dealers to stretch their supply and increase profits.

Cutting heroin poses serious health problems for those who use it. Individuals may unknowingly consume substances with unpredictable potency or toxic effects, increasing the risk of overdose and other adverse effects. In addition, the presence of harmful additives can lead to long-term health complications.

To avoid the risks associated with heroin cutting, individuals should take preventive measures, such as testing before use, starting with a small dose, and avoiding mixing with other drugs. However, the safest choice regarding heroin is to avoid it altogether and seek help if struggling with addiction.
 

Common Substances Heroin Is Cut With

When heroin hits the streets, it’s rarely in its pure form. Instead, dealers often mix or “cut” it with various substances. Some common substances heroin is cut with include:

• Caffeine: A stimulant found in coffee and tea, caffeine might be added to heroin to give users a temporary energy boost.
• Lactose: A sugar commonly found in milk, lactose is sometimes used to dilute heroin and increase its volume.
• Brown Sugar Or Powdered Milk: Similar to lactose, brown sugar or powdered milk is added to bulk up heroin and make it easier to handle.
• Talcum Powder: This fine powder is often used in baby products and cosmetics. It’s added to heroin to dilute it and give it a powdery texture.
• Baking Soda: A household ingredient, baking soda is sometimes mixed with heroin to alter its effects or increase its volume.
• Starch: Starch, a carbohydrate found in foods like potatoes and rice, is used as a cutting agent to stretch the amount of heroin available for sale.
• Fentanyl: A powerful synthetic opioid, fentanyl is sometimes added to heroin to increase its potency. However, this can greatly increase the risk of overdose.

• Methamphetamine: Meth, a stimulant drug, may be mixed with heroin to create a more intense and potentially dangerous high.
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): This pain relief medication is sometimes included to mimic the similar effects of pure heroin or to add bulk.
• Quinine: An anti-malarial drug, quinine is sometimes added to heroin to give it a bitter taste, which users may associate with higher quality.
• Procaine: A local anesthetic, procaine, may be added to heroin to mimic the numbing effects of the heroin.
• Laundry Detergent: This household product may be added to street heroin to increase its bulk and alter its appearance.
• Rat Poison: Shockingly, some unscrupulous dealers may add rat poison to heroin to increase its weight and potency, posing a severe risk to users’ health.

These substances not only dilute the heroin but also pose serious health risks. Therefore, it’s vital for individuals using heroin or know someone who does to be aware of the risks associated with these adulterants and seek help if needed.