Gas station heroin is a legal substance that, when taken in large amounts, can produce opioid-like effects. It is sold in gas stations as a supplement or mood enhancer and can lead to an addiction similar to heroin addiction. A treatment program can address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction safely and greatly reduce the risk of relapse.
The Ranch is a full-service addiction treatment center that supports clients with heroin addiction. Our heroin rehab in Nashville creates a whole-person recovery experience with cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and medical support.
What Is Gas Station Heroin?
Gas station heroin is the slang term for the substance tianeptine, an unregulated drug sold as an antidepressant in some European, Latin American, and Asian countries. It is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the U.S. due to its opioid-like effects and risk of addiction.
When used as a medication, it may treat depression (for those who do not respond well to other antidepressants), anxiety disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used for neuroprotection and may have some cognitive benefits.
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Constipation
In high enough doses, it can cause confusion, respiratory depression, increased heart rate, and liver damage.
What Makes Tianeptine Addictive?
The reason tianeptine is not authorized for medical use is due to the risk of developing an addiction. It reacts similarly to opioids, interacting with the mu-opioid receptors, and signals a massive release of dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. Because of this, the potential for misuse is very high and potentially addictive.
If you abuse gas station heroin for a long period and try to quit, it can create withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Severe anxiety and depression
- Muscle pain and tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Intense cravings for more opioids
Quitting tianeptine can be challenging, and withdrawal symptoms may increase the risk of relapse without support. Taking too much can result in serious health risks, so it’s important to seek guidance for a safe and effective recovery process.
The Benefits of Treating Tianeptine Abuse
Treating tianeptine abuse is possible when you enroll in an addiction treatment program. These programs combine several therapeutic methods to create a detailed program that will address the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder.
The benefits of treating tianeptine abuse include:
Addiction Education
One of the first things you will learn about is how damaging drug addiction can be. Therapists will talk about the drugs you are abusing and why they are bad for you. They will go over why quitting is so difficult and which type of therapy will benefit you the most.
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the best therapies for treating all types of addiction. It focuses on the behaviors that the addiction creates and teaches them how to recognize triggers and develop new behaviors to counteract the negative ones. In addition to CBT, here are some of the other types of behavioral therapy that may improve your chances of recovery:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Relapse prevention therapy
After conducting a full health assessment and getting to know you, a therapist will determine which therapies will benefit you the most.
Medical Support
To treat the physical aspect of gas station heroin, medication is used to ease withdrawals, cravings, and any depressive or anxious symptoms. Medical staff will administer the medications based on your individual treatment plan. They will monitor you for any adverse side effects and adjust the dosage as necessary.
As your symptoms begin to fade, they will begin tapering you off slowly to avoid any withdrawals from the medication.
Peer Support
During group therapy, you will have a chance to bond with your peers and develop long-lasting friendships. These relationships will support you during difficult days when cravings and triggers return. Plus, close family members will learn all about addiction and what they can do to be a part of your recovery process.
Join The Ranch Today for Heroin Rehab in Nashville
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to gas station heroin, hope and recovery are available at The Ranch. Our recovery programs utilize proven therapeutic methods for treating all types of addiction. We use cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication-assisted treatment to create a whole-person recovery experience and will be with you throughout your recovery.
To learn more about our heroin rehab in Nashville, complete our online form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our discreet location.
