A drug dubbed “gas station heroin” is being sold at convenience stores and online, and it’s hooking people quickly. The pill, called Zaza Red or Tianna, contains tianeptine, which is a tricyclic antidepressant with potential for abuse. It can also cause opioid-like highs, and it’s been linked to overdoses. It’s often marketed as a “legal” energy booster, but it can be abused in many ways, and the pills are addictive. Some users take a whole bottle at a time, while others use it in combination with other drugs, including legal highs like kratom and phenibut, to increase the effects.
It comes in capsule, pill, liquid, and bulk powder forms that can be swallowed or dissolved into a liquid to drink, smoked, or injected. The ingredients in the pill are similar to those found in popular painkillers, and it’s easy for users to mix it with other substances to enhance their high or create a more powerful effect. In some cases, the pills are even mixed with alcohol. The risk of addiction is serious, and some experts are calling the drug an opioid epidemic.
In a video posted on YouTube, a man can be seen using a hammer to break the glass door of a store selling the drug and then wrestling with clerks for the pills. Police have taken note of the incident and say they’re investigating if it’s an opportunistic crime or part of a larger pattern of behavior.
Tianeptine can be found in prescription medications in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, where it’s used to treat depression by increasing serotonin. It’s also a recreational drug that can produce opioid-like effects, and it’s been used in combination with other drugs to create powerful hallucinations, increased feelings of pleasure, and decreased anxiety.
A new law has been passed in Mississippi that makes it illegal to sell, possess, or exchange the drug. The law, which was pushed by state Sen. Bill Bell, will make it a Class A misdemeanor to sell the product, and anyone who has it in their possession can be arrested. It’s the latest in a string of states to pass laws banning the substance, which is also known as TD Red or Tianna, in an effort to curb addiction and overdoses.
Medical detox is often necessary for people struggling with a Zaza Red addiction. Detoxing from the drug can reduce withdrawal symptoms and help prevent complications, including severe depression, esophagus damage, or life-threatening seizures. For those who can’t quit taking the pills, a residential rehab treatment program away from triggers and daily habits is the best option. It’s also the best way to reduce the risk of relapse and improve long-term recovery outcomes. Those seeking treatment should consider choosing a facility that offers comprehensive care and a wide variety of therapies, including opiate addiction treatments. Contact a rehab center today to learn more about your options.
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