Fatal Risks of Purple Heroin: Looking for Antidote

One of the newly emerging drugs is purple heroin, which is heroin laced with other opioids like fentanyl. Some common risks of purple heroin are 

• Overdose
• Respiratory depression
• Brain damage
• Self-Harming Thoughts
• Dangerous withdrawal

While heroin has always been a cause of concern, this new form of heroin prompted authorities like the Michigan Poison Center to issue a warning against purple heroin. This article will guide you in understanding the substance’s risks and what can prevent them.

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What Is Purple Heroin?

Purple heroin is a concoction of heroin and some other opioids. Commonly, heroin is laced with fentanyl, carfentanil, oxycodone, or hydrocodone. Another substance that is mixed with heroin is morphine, another synthetic opioid declared as a Schedule I controlled substance in March 2021.  The name “purple heroin” comes from its color purple, although some people have reported it to be gray. It is also called “purple drank” or “purp” on the streets. 

Opioids, primarily including heroin and fentanyl, are responsible for most overdoses in the US. Heroin is twice as potent as morphine, while fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine. Since all opioids are highly dangerous, mixing them can result in fatal consequences. 

Signs of Purple Heroin Abuse

The signs of abuse of purple heroin are not too different from other variants of heroin. Some of them are given below:

• Slowed breathing
• Constipation
• Not being able to see properly
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Depression or anxiety
• Feeling anxious
• Feeling confused
• Not being able to judge properly
• Drowsiness

Fighting off opioid addiction is not impossible. Call 844.445.2565 or enter info here to contact a specialist. 

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Not sure if you have a problem with opioids? Check out this free assessment quiz to examine if you should get professional help. While it is not an alternative to medical diagnosis, you can still determine the severity level to an extent. 

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5 Common Risks of Purple Heroin

The risks of mixing any drug are mostly fatal, let alone mixing other opioids with heroin. Some of the risks associated with purple heroin are explained below.

1. Heroin Overdose

The risk of overdose with heroin is high, but if it is laced with fentanyl or other synthetic opioids, the risk increases. This is because opioids are CNS depressants, and mixing them enhances the effects, making it easier to overdose. 

2. Brain Damage

Toxic brain injury has become very common after the opioid epidemic. Toxic brain injury is a condition in which opioid induces hypoxic injury. This occurs When sufficient oxygen cannot be transported through the blood to the brain. 

3. Exhibiting Self-Harming Thoughts

According to studies, even the first dose of opioids can make you prone to opioid use disorders. Due to depression, heroin users are at high risk for depression and suicide. It is the same with other opioids as well, which is why purple heroin poses a great risk for self-harming practices.

4. Respiratory Depression

When you are taking substances illicitly, the dose of alcohol is unknown, which may be lethal. A lethal dose of opioids can result in respiratory depression. Respiratory depression refers to the state in which breathing slows down due to the harmful intake of purple heroin or other opioids. 

5. Dangerous Withdrawal

Opioids cause extremely difficult withdrawal symptoms. Opioids like fentanyl can even kill you. This is why trying to opt out of opioid addiction on your own is not encouraged by medical professionals. Some of the dangerous withdrawal include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

When left untreated, vomiting and diarrhea can result in dehydration and other complications, which is why it is very important to seek professional help.

Instant Reversal of Overdose

To instantly reverse overdose effects, dispense naloxone. Naloxone’s brand name is Narcan, a nasal spray that can, for a while, undo the effects of the overdose and save a life. 

NOTE: Even after dispensing Narcan, you should call 911 immediately. Narcan’s effects can only last for a few minutes. 

Prevention

• Seeking early intervention
• Relying on a rehab center
• Talking to an addiction specialist
• Not quitting cold turkey: going for medical detox

Quick Facts and Information

Antidote for Purple Heroin Addiction: Helping a Loved One

Since heroin is very addictive and induces euphoric feelings, knowing when to stop can be difficult. However, thankfully, there are successful and effective treatments for the drug. For those struggling with purple heroin addiction or other such opioids, there are several treatment options available. It is better to take safety precautions instead of giving in to addiction. 

a. Medical Detoxification

Heroin Detox is the first step focused on removing toxin buildup from the body. Medical detox is also a crucial step as it helps with the following:

• Withdrawal symptoms
• Cleansing the organs
• Preparing the body for other treatments

While detox is not a long-term treatment, it is certainly an unskippable one. Consult a practitioner to understand your treatment journey better. 

b. Medication-Assisted Therapy

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the most common treatments for opioid use disorder. MAT has been seen to decrease the likelihood of overdose deaths by 50% among opioid users. While it may seem impossible to overcome opioid abuse, help is there. Some benefits of MAT are:

• Less cravings, hence better abstinence
• Less risk of overdose
• Decreased risk of other health issues like heart failure or HIV, etc.

MAT is an FDA-approved program that has shown some effective results. However, coupling medication with therapy is even more effective.

c. Our Therapeutic Interventions

Our therapists dispense appropriate care to every individual with various therapeutic interventions. Some approaches our counselors opt for are:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Approach
• Dialectical Behavior Approach
• Family Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Dual Diagnosis Therapy

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“I started with ChoicePoint for Therapy and Drug/alcohol abuse. I was referred by a friend. I must say that, at first, I hated that I was there to begin with. But later, I realized it was all worth it. I am still currently getting services from this place. I highly recommend Gina as a therapist. She is the best there is. She makes you feel comfortable. She understands you. She doesn’t judge. She gives the best advice. She understands when you have bad days but pushes you to do better. She is friendly and kind. She helps you with any other resources. I’ve learned, and I am still learning a lot. I am glad I am part of this place.”

These treatments can be chosen in any setting that suits you. Our offerings include:

• Inpatient Addiction Treatment
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment
• Partial Care / Partial Hospitalization Program (HIOP/PHP)
• Virtual Addiction Treatment

Contact ChoicePoint, a co-occurring addiction treatment center in Fairlawn, New Jersey, at 844.445.2565 to overcome purple heroin addiction. You may also fill out this online form to get our assistant to contact you. 

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Answers Your Concerns Regarding Purple Heroin

Every year, newer substances hit the market that adults use; purple heroin is another one of these dangerous additions to the world of drugs. Some common queries concerning heroin are answered below. 

Can Heroin Be Purple?

A new form of heroin seems to be emerging, which is purple, due to the addition of fentanyl or other opioids in it. While some people consider it purple, others have reported that it is grey. 

What Does Purple Heroin Contain?

Purple heroin typically consists of an additional opioid, most commonly fentanyl or carfentanil. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl; even a grain of salt or 20 mcg of carfentanil can be enough to kill a person. 

What Are the Symptoms of Addiction to Purple Heroin?

Symptoms of purple heroin addiction are mostly the same as other illicit opioids. This may include:

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping
• Socially isolating oneself
• Ignoring financial, social, and familial responsibilities
• Being reckless with yourself, etc. 
• Developing tolerance

Is Purple Heroin Addiction Treatable?

Yes, addiction to purple heroin is treatable with the help of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program and therapy; by adherence to comprehensive treatments, purple heroin addiction can be treated. 

Sources

1. Michigan Poison Center issues warning about “purple heroin.” (2019, March 8). School of Medicine News. https://today.wayne.edu/medicine/news/2020/10/14/michigan-poison-center-issues-warning-about-purple-heroin-40724
2. CDC. (2023, August 8). Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic | Opioids | CDC. Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/epidemic.html#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20people%20who
3. Huecker, M. R., Koutsothanasis, G. A., Abbasy, M. S. U., & Marraffa, J. (2023). Heroin. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441876/#:~:text=Heroin%20is%20synthetically%20derived%20from
4. Huecker, M. R., Koutsothanasis, G. A., Abbasy, M. S. U., & Marraffa, J. (2023). Heroin. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441876/#:~:text=Heroin%20is%20synthetically%20derived%20from
5. Opioid Overdose and Brain Injury. (n.d.). Brain Injury Association of America.
   https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/media/the-solution-to-opioids-is-treatment#:~:text=The%20opioid%20epidemic%20has%20led
6. You don’t have to go it alone. (n.d.).
   https://dss.sd.gov/formsandpubs/docs/BH/BHAO10_MAT_Brochure.pdf
7. PURPLE HEROIN “PURP” WITH CARFENTANIL Purple heroin “purp” seized. (2018).
   https://www.phsd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/CDS_Drug_Alert_Carfentanil-wih-Heroin_Mar_29_2018.pdf