How To Identify A Heroin Pipe

What Does A Heroin Pipe Look Like?

A heroin pipe could look like a small glass pipe similar to a “crack pipe” used to smoke crack cocaine or methamphetamine. It could also simply be a straw or another tube-like apparatus.

If you see small pieces of stained or burnt aluminum foil near a straw or pipe, this could be an indication that a loved one in your household may be smoking heroin.

How Are Heroin Pipes Used?

Heroin comes in many forms, including white and brown powders and a sticky black substance called “black tar heroin”. Any form of heroin can be smoked.

There are two ways to smoke heroin. One way is to place the heroin in a small glass pipe and hold a lighter or candle against the glass until the heroin steams/smokes. Then the person inhales the vapor or smoke.

Another way to smoke heroin is to use aluminum foil to hold the drug while it heats up. A straw or another tube is then used to inhale the smoke and steam that is created.

Other Drug Paraphernalia Related To Heroin Use

Pipes are not the only form of paraphernalia used to abuse heroin.

Other than pipes, all of these items can be used in the process of smoking heroin:

• gum wrappers or small pieces of foil
• lighter or candle
• straws
• cigarettes and rolling papers

Also keep an eye out for these items, which could be used to inject or snort the drug:

• tie-offs (shoe strings, belts, straps)
• heroin needles or syringes
• cotton balls
• cigarette filters
• metal bottle caps
• metal spoons (“heroin spoons”)
• rolled-up bills or pieces of paper

Find out about different types of heroin paraphernalia.

Risks Of Heroin Abuse

Using heroin comes with several short- and long-term risks and side effects. This dangerous opiate drug can cause numerous health problems, including overdose and death.

Below are some of the health concerns and risks of heroin addiction:

• lung problems
• sleeping problems
• tremors or seizures
• slowed or shallow breathing
• weak pulse
• infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C
• infections from burns and injection sites
• heroin abscesses
• collapsed and weakened veins
• depression and other mental health issues

Treatment Programs For Heroin Use Disorders

Addiction treatment is necessary to address heroin abuse. Addiction treatment combines mental and physical healthcare with behavioral health treatment.

Some elements of the best treatment programs for heroin use disorders are:

• inpatient medically monitored detox
• evidence-based care
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• life skills training
• continuum of care (supported transition from inpatient to outpatient care)

Sometimes, detox might be a necessary first step in treatment. Detox is a safe place to go through withdrawal symptoms before starting treatment.

The best treatment centers use evidence-based treatment approaches to give people the best chance at recovery. Heroin addiction can be overcome with the right treatment approach.

Find A Heroin Drug Rehab Program Today

Bedrock Recovery Center is one of the east coast’s top drug and alcohol treatment facilities. Our inpatient rehab center offers evidence-based care and all the support needed to overcome addiction.

If you or a loved one are facing heroin use, call our helpline today to learn about your treatment options.