What Is Gas Station Heroin and What to Do If You Are at Risk
Did you know that some of the products on the checkout counter at the gas station can be habit-forming drugs that can put your health and well-being at risk? Often sold as supplements or special energy boosters, some of these products are highly dangerous and flying under the radar of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Gas station heroin, more formally known as tianeptine, is a highly dangerous drug that can cause numerous health implications to individuals, often those who are unsuspecting of what could happen. If you are using these products and struggling to stop, do not wait to reach out to Victory Addiction Recovery Center for immediate help.
What Is Gas Station Heroin?
Tianeptine is a drug that was used in some countries for the treatment of depression. It works as an atypical tricyclic antidepressant that acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist. It does not work in the same way that traditional antidepressants work. Instead, it acts to create euphoric feelings, much like what a person may feel when using an opioid at a high dose. It is because of this euphoric feeling that people are at risk for overuse of the drug.
Some of the risks associated with the use of tianeptine include:
- Depression of the respiratory system, slowing breathing to very dangerous levels
- Seizures
- Inducing coma
- Death
A person may experience similar symptoms to an opioid overdose, in which the brain slows the function of the lungs and heart to dangerous levels.
Why Gas Station Heroin Is Still Possible to Get
Tianeptine is not approved in the U.S. for any medicinal use, according to the FDA. Recognizing the threats, some states have banned the sale of the drug within their borders. In 2024, Louisiana labeled the drug as a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, effectively banning it from being sold.
However, manufacturers and distributors often sell this drug without disclosing what it is. For example, some manufacturers label it as a dietary supplement, which is also not regulated by the FDA. This makes it possible for some locations to sell it without breaking the law.
What’s more, most people haven’t heard of it. They see it as an energy booster, pain reliever, or supplement sold over the counter. Yet, with the risks of other opioids, this is a dangerous drug you don’t want to use.
How to Spot Gas Station Heroin to Avoid It
Don’t assume the gas station clerk knows what is in the substances they are selling. Instead, be on the lookout for products that contain tianeptine. They may not label this ingredient. Some of the most common names it is sold under include:
- ZaZa
- Tianaa
- TD Red
- Pegasus
- Neptune’s Fix
Whenever you use any products purchased from these locations, ask questions and gain insight. These products may seem harmless, and they could be for their initial use. Or they can cause numerous health complications for you that last for years.
What to Do If You Are Using Tianeptine
If you or your loved one is using tianeptine, treatment can help. You may find it difficult to stop using this substance on your own. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, often making it feel impossible to simply stop using the substance. You may even feel increasing cravings for it over time.
In these situations, treatment may involve detox. This is a natural process completed in our medically monitored treatment center. Your care team monitors your health and oversees your overall well-being as your body naturally flushes the substance from it. You may have some significant withdrawal effects, but the medications and supportive therapies we offer can help you get through those challenges.
Typical withdrawal symptoms from gas station heroin include:
- Anxiety that intensifies
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Nausea
- Intense confusion
- Demanding cravings
Ongoing therapy may be beneficial, including residential treatment. Much like our programs for opioid addiction treatment, you’ll spend some time working with an individual counselor and in group therapy. You’ll learn about your substance use disorder and what steps you can take to recover from it.
Contact Our Treatment Center for Immediate Help
When you turn to our team at Victory, you gain an advocate ready to fight for your full recovery. We work with you to create an individualized treatment plan to navigate what you’re facing, whether that is an opioid or gas station heroin addiction. Once you start working with our team, you will receive ongoing support and resources.
Turn to our substance use disorder treatment center in Lafayette, LA, for immediate help. We also offer outpatient therapy and programs designed for those with mental health needs. With the guidance of our team, you will regain confidence in your future. Contact us 24-hours a day for the support you need.