Purple Heroin: A Deadly Cocktail

They call it Purple. People say it’s heroin, but it’s even deadlier because it’s laced with fentanyl. It’s the kind of drug that often doesn’t give second chances. No one really knows exactly what’s in it, and that’s precisely why it could be fatal.

You might’ve heard others talk about the high—how fast it comes, how strong the pull is. Maybe you’ve felt it yourself. Perhaps you tried it out of curiosity, or maybe it was because of pain. But one thing is certain: the drug takes over.

This isn’t about an adventure anymore; it’s now about surviving. You tell yourself this is the last time, but then it isn’t. You find yourself trapped and in need. You start to wonder: Is this addiction? You probably already know the answer, and you feel like you’re alone. But you’re not. Others have been where you are right now, and they have come back. The danger is real, but recovery is, too.

Purple heroin is spreading into more states, more cities, more neighborhoods, more lives. And that makes it harder to quit. If you find yourself in its grasp, it’s nearly impossible to know what to do next.

In this article, we’ll explore what purple heroin is, what it does to your body, why it’s so addictive, and most importantly, what paths to recovery are available for you. 

Table of Contents

• What Is Purple Heroin?
• What Are the Effects of Purple Heroin Use?
• The Greatest Dangers of Purple Heroin Use
• How Addictive Is Purple Heroin?
• How To Recover From Addiction to Purple Heroin
• Clear Steps Recovery: Guiding Our Clients to Freedom From Purple Heroin Dependency

This type of heroin is called 'purple' due to its unusual tint; it’s believed to be heroin laced with extremely toxic, illicit fentanyl. Experts believe that this type of heroin is so strong because, apart from fentanyl, it can also contain other types of synthetic opioids or dangerous additives; it’s also difficult to know what exactly is mixed in with the heroin and in what amounts.

The reason why this heroin is purple is unknown, but experts believe that the color is done in the lab to market or brand the drug to users. They say that the tinge is a marketing ploy to signal that purple heroin is of good quality and extra potent.  

Because purple heroin is a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, the effects on the human body of this drug can be more dangerous than each substance on its own. Here’s a rundown of the physical and mental effects that can be caused by its use.

Physical Effects

Due to the nature of purple heroin, it can have severe and potentially life-threatening physical effects on the human body. 

Purple heroin, like other opioids, can depress the central nervous system, slowing down breathing to dangerous levels and increasing the risk of respiratory failure. It can also lead to digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. 

Cognitive function can be impaired by purple heroin, resulting in difficulty processing information accurately and making decisions. Using purple heroin increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Other risks of using purple heroin include itchy skin and liver and kidney damage.

Mental Effects

Purple heroin also has serious effects on mental health. This substance affects the brain's reward system, causing pleasure, euphoria, and relaxation, and hence, producing addiction and dependency. Over time, this can have a negative impact on both mental and emotional well-being.

Using heroin chronically can cause anxiety and depression, as well as frequent mood swings (ranging from ecstasy to misery) and irritability. People who use purple heroin frequently can have difficulties managing day-to-day responsibilities, relationships, and social situations.   

Overdose

Purple heroin presents a serious risk of overdose for different reasons. Heroin itself poses a grave risk of overdose depending on the amount and frequency of use. Plus, fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid (50 times stronger than heroin). And because it’s difficult to know what exactly is in purple heroin, this increases the danger, as users may consume a lethal dose without being aware.

Chronic Health Issues

Using purple heroin long-term can lead to serious health complications. Frequent users can develop addiction because they build tolerance and physical dependence. Purple heroin users' brain function can also deteriorate due to its negative effects on the brain’s white matter; this can lead to difficulty making decisions, regulating behavior, and responding to stressful situations.

Other health complications purple heroin users may experience are respiratory depression, gastrointestinal problems, and higher vulnerability to infections such as HIV and hepatitis C.

Purple heroin is very addictive because it contains fentanyl (which is more potent than heroin), and it usually contains other synthetic opioids as well. The unpredictable nature of purple heroin makes it especially dangerous. 

At Clear Steps Recovery, we understand that recovering from purple heroin addiction can be a long process; we offer safe and effective treatment. Our team is ready to support you or your loved one in the journey to recovery.

Signs of Addiction to Purple Heroin

The signs below can indicate an addiction. If these resonate with you and you’re interested in learning more about our recovery programs, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our understanding and compassionate team is here to support you on your path to recovery. 

Physical signs

• Needle or track marks on arms or other parts of the body 
• Ocular reflex responses, such as pinpoint pupils and lacrimation
• Extreme weight loss and paleness 
• Nose bleeds or a persistent runny nose 
• Unintelligible speech or disrupted motor coordination

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Behavioral signs 

• Secrecy or isolating from family and friends
• Sudden financial problems or constantly borrowing money
• Ignoring responsibilities at home, school, or work 
• Mood swings, irritability, and anger 
• Illegal behavior to get or use purple heroin

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Psychological signs 

• Strong urges for purple heroin
• Depression, anxiety, and emotional instability 
• Hallucinations or paranoia 
• Changes in sleep patterns 
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm practices

Addiction occurs when something that was once pleasurable turns into something you can’t live without. In the case of drug addiction, you experience an out-of-control feeling that makes you use and continue to use drugs, no matter the consequences.

Opioids are extremely addictive because they trigger reward centers in your brain. Opioids trigger the release of endorphins, creating a powerful sense of well-being that lasts only briefly. When an opioid dose wears off, you may find yourself wanting those good feelings back as soon as possible. This is how people may develop an opioid dependence.

Opioid addiction is then a medical condition that requires intervention. The sooner you seek help, the better the outcomes; treatment is available and effective.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-Assisted Treatment is a therapy that combines medications that have been approved by the FDA with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorder, including addiction to purple heroin. MAT treats opioid use disorder by:

• Helping normalize brain chemistry
• Blocking the euphoric effects of opioids
• Reducing cravings
• Easing withdrawal symptoms
• Lowering the risk of relapse and overdose. 

There are three FDA-approved medicines commonly used in the treatment of opioid use disorder: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Using these medications with behavioral services is more effective for sustaining recovery than just medication or psychosocial treatment on their own.  

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy plays an important role in recovery from purple heroin addiction, especially if it’s used along with Medication-Assisted Treatment. Due to the nature of purple heroin and the different substances laced with it, addressing the emotional, mental, and behavioral patterns behind drugs can be beneficial. 

Psychotherapy helps people: 

• Understand why addiction happens
• Develop healthier tools to cope with their stress, trauma, or triggers
• Rebuild self-confidence and interpersonal relationships
• Prevent relapse. 

One of the most common types of psychotherapy used in recovery is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps people identify and change harmful thoughts and behaviors linked with substance use and gives users tools for better managing stress, controlling emotions, and avoiding relapse. 

At Clear Steps Recovery, we’re committed to supporting our patients to overcome addiction to purple heroin as well as achieving a full recovery and long-term health. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with purple heroin addiction, the team at Clear Steps Recovery is here to support with complete support programs that help you achieve and sustain your goals. 

Contact us today to learn more about our programs and let us help you complete this journey in the best way possible.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.