For many folks, the biggest worry at the gas station might be whether or not it is safe to use a cellphone while filling up your tank (it is, in fact, safe; it is static electricity that is dangerous).
But of late, an additional—and very real—danger has been popping up at gas stations and convenience stores, vape and smoke shops, and elsewhere. That danger is in the form of “gas station heroin,” an umbrella name for a variety of products that might seem safe but are decidedly not. Indeed, these powerful and dangerous drugs can easily lead to the development of a substance use disorder.
That means it is vitally important to see past the misleading labels that try to convince you these products pose no threat (or might even be beneficial in one way or another). In this post, we are going to take a close look at gas station heroin so you know exactly what to avoid when you are at the gas station.
Defining Gas Station Heroin
“Gas Station Heroin” is a quick and memorable name for substances with complicated names. Products that contain tianeptine or 7-hydroxymitragynine (more commonly known as 7-OH) are at the heart of the growing problem.
These substances are powerful and dangerous opioids. But the packaging of the products that contain tianeptine or 7-OH is unlikely to reveal this fact. Instead, these products tout themselves as beneficial, hiding the problems they can quickly lead to for users. In fact, in some cases, gas station heroin is camouflaged behind the word “kratom,” a substance that many people are familiar with and believe (perhaps incorrectly) is safe.
Take Care With Kratom
Many products that fall under the category of gas station heroin are advertised as kratom or as containing “natural kratom extracts.” Because a person might think (again, perhaps incorrectly) that kratom is useful and safe, this misleading packaging can convince potential purchasers that more dangerous substances are also safe.
Here is the reality: Native kratom leave does not contain detectable amounts of 7-OH, so labeling 7-OH products as “kratom” is misleading, at best (we might argue that it is a lie). The synthetic drug known as 7-OH is 30 times more potent than morphine—and no one would expect to be able to pick up some morphine when they stop at the local convenience store.
Once more for clarity: We are not suggesting that kratom is beneficial or safe for use. But we do want to be clear that the word “kratom” is being used to provide cover for extremely dangerous substances that everyone would do well to avoid.
Regulators Are Taking Notice—and Taking Action
At both the state and federal levels, tianeptine or 7-hydroxymitragynine is coming under increased scrutiny. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that 7-OH products should be among the drugs addressed by the Controlled Substances Act. The FDA put out a media release on the topic that read, in part:
The availability of 7-OH products is a major concern for the FDA, as consumers can easily purchase them with concentrated levels online and in gas stations, corner stores, and vape shops. The FDA is particularly concerned with the growing market of 7-OH products that may be especially appealing to children and teenagers, such as fruit-flavored gummies and ice cream cones. These products may not be clearly or accurately labeled as to their 7-OH content and are sometimes disguised or marketed as kratom.
This is a step in the right direction, to be sure. However, regulations alone do not keep dangerous drugs out of the hands of people who want them. We would suggest that, due to the dangers, no one should actually want these substances.
The Ghastly Dangers of Gas Station Heroin
Here is a stark reality: Gas station heroin use has been linked to deaths—just like other opioids.
That is, of course, the most serious of impacts, but it is far from the only one. Gas station heroin—again, just like other opioids—chips away at your physical health and your mental well-being. If you find yourself thinking about giving these substances a try, it can be helpful to consider the very real dangers of opioids and opiates of all sorts (see here and here, for example).
It is important to note that the withdrawal symptoms that accompany any effort to stop using gas station heroin are truly harrowing. Intense cravings, among other dangerous symptoms, can send you right back to the drugs you are trying to give up.
However, there is good news even if you find yourself in the grip of a substance use disorder. Effective, evidence-based treatment can help you get back on track.
We Can Help You Restart Your Life
Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, The Farley Center is committed to helping individuals set drugs and alcohol aside so they can rebuild their lives. The powerful combination of medically supervised detoxification, a robust approach to rehabilitation, and an active alumni program provides the resources and support you need to get going in a positive direction. When you are ready to make a transformational change for the better, we are here to help you reach your goals.
