What Does Heroin Smell Like?
- August 29, 2022
- Prosperity Haven
- Addiction Treatment
If you have a loved one that you suspect is using heroin, you are no doubt incredibly worried about the consequences. They may be denying that they have a problem, which makes the issue even more problematic. Trying to figure out the truth can be hard, but there are signs to spot. Fortunately, the answer to “does heroin have a smell?” is a resounding “yes”, and one of the best ways to know if someone is smoking heroin is the smell. This article talks you through what smells you should look out for.
What Heroin Smells Like When Smoked
The smell of heroin has been described in many different ways. Some people believe that when someone is smoking heroin it has a sweet smell, others feel like the hallmark scent of the drug is an acrid, chemically smell.
If you notice the same smell frequently around your loved one who you suspect has a heroin problem, they may be smoking the drug. Of course, it might not necessarily be heroin that they are smoking. There are other drugs, like crack cocaine or methamphetamine, which also produce distinctive smells.
If you also see burnt pieces of aluminium foil, this may be another indication that someone is smoking heroin. This is because the aluminium is used to smoke the drug, in a process known as “chasing the dragon”. One piece of aluminium is typically used for a number of different smoking sessions, which can lead to the underside of the foil getting burn marks.
You can also look out for pinprick pupils, which is often caused by someone using heroin or other opioids. If your loved one is showing signs of drug use and they have very small pupils, this is one of the best indications that they are using opioids. There are no other common drugs that cause small pupils.
What White Heroin Smells Like
White heroin, also known as china white, tends to be one of the more potent forms of heroin. It comes in a variety of packages, including being wrapped in aluminium foil, in the corner of a plastic bag, and in small baggies.
If someone is smoking white heroin, you will not be able to detect any smell, as white heroin cannot be smoked. White heroin can only be injected or snorted.
What Common Street Heroin Smells Like
This is a tricky question to answer, as “street heroin” can come in lots of different forms: black tar heroin, brown powder heroin and white powder heroin.
These all have roughly the same smell, which is described as vinegary by some people and sweet by others. You should also note that heroin in the United States is always cut with cutting agent. This is done with both active and inactive cuts. Active cuts are those that provide a psychotropic effect, which may strengthen the effects of the heroin. Inactive cuts are included in heroin simply to increase the weight. People who sell heroin add these cuts to heroin, so they make more money.
Each of these cuts has their own distinct smell. Often, many different cuts are used, which can create a smell which is somewhat different to the smell that heroin typically has. Heroin that is cut with many different agents often has a more synthetic smell than pure heroin.
What Black Tar Heroin Smells Like
Black tar heroin is a form of the drug that is typically darker in color and has a sticky, tar-like consistency. Some people believe that this heroin preparation is “liquid heroin”, but this is untrue. It is typically cheaper and more potent than other forms of heroin, which may account for its popularity. Black tar heroin is often smoked or injected, which can lead to addiction and other serious health problems.
Black tar is typically found in the West coast of the United States, as it arrives in the country after being smuggled in from Mexico. It is the only type of heroin sold that does not come in a powder form.
Black tar heroin tends to be less expensive than other forms of heroin, but is also known to be one of the weaker types. This does not mean that black tar is not extremely powerful: it is, particularly for a new user or someone who has gone a long time without taking the drug.
This type of heroin smells similar to brown powder heroin. When smoked, black tar gives off a smell that has been described as “sweet” or “flowery.” However, not everyone will smell the same thing when they smell heroin. Some people say it smells like chemicals, while others say it has a more natural smell.
Some people find that black tar heroin smells like vinegar. This is because heroin is usually cut with acetic acid, which is a type of vinegar. Other common cuts for heroin include sugars, quinine, and talcum powder.
Black tar heroin may also be cut with benzodiazepines, which do not have a detectable smell. This class of drug decreases anxiety and causes users to be drowsy, which can increase the effects of heroin. Taking heroin that has been cut with benzos can be incredibly dangerous.
This drug is also often cut with fentanyl. In fact, it is now believed that most heroin that is sold in the US today has been laced with fentanyl. Distributors do this because fentanyl is incredibly potent and inexpensive. Users taking heroin that is laced with fentanyl has been one of the driving factors of the worryingly high levels of opioid deaths which have been blighting the US for the past two decades.
If you think someone you know is smoking white heroin, pay attention to the smell. If you notice a sweet or flowery smell, it could be an indication that they are using this drug. However, keep in mind that not everyone who uses heroin smokes the drug.
What Brown Heroin Smells Like
Brown tar heroin is usually considered to be not as strong as white powder heroin, but this is not always the case. Brown powder heroin can be cut with cutting agents such as fentanyl, that are incredibly dangerous.
Brown heroin, like black tar heroin, can also be smoked. It has a similar smell to black tar heroin.
Other signs of heroin use include being often sedated or incoherent and not looking after themselves, there is a strong possibility that they are smoking heroin.
Getting Help for a Heroin Addiction
If you or a loved one is addicted to heroin, it can be difficult to see how to get out of it. The pull of heroin can be particularly strong, and the situation may seem hopeless.
Fortunately, no matter how strong an addiction, recovery is possible. This is true whatever the situation. At Prosperity Haven, our greatest passion is to help people in the grip of substance addiction rise above it, and become the best versions of themselves. If you want this for you or your loved one, contact us today.
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