Black Tar Heroin Vs. Powder Heroin: What’s The Difference

Heroin is not a single, uniform substance. It comes in several distinct forms that differ significantly in appearance, purity, composition, and the risks they carry. The three most common varieties found in the United States are black tar heroin, white powder heroin, and brown powder heroin, each produced through different manufacturing processes and typically associated with different regions of the country and different methods of use.

Black tar heroin, a dark, sticky, rock-like substance named for its resemblance to roofing tar, is produced through a crude refining process that results in a less pure product than powdered forms of the drug. White powder heroin is the most refined and typically the most pure, while brown powder heroin falls somewhere in between.

About Black Tar Heroin

Black tar resembles roofing tar and is dark in color. Its appearance is attributed to its crude manufacturing process.

Purity

This form of the drug is known for being less pure than powder heroin and may be no more than 30-40% pure.

Composition

Black tar heroin has a solid, rock-like texture that may be smoked, crushed into powder before snorting, or injecting.

Abuse Methods

This form of the drug requires heating in order to liquefy into an aqueous solution before injecting.

Risks Of Use

Black tar heroin may be contaminated by bacteria and is known for causing skin and tissue infections during an intravenous injection. It is also known for clogging needles and causing extensive vein damage.

About White Powder Heroin

White powder heroin is the most popular form of heroin on the drug market.

Purity

Powder heroin is known for its purity. Compared to black tar heroin, it tends to have the purest concentration levels of the drug.

Composition

Its light color and appearance may vary due to cutting and bulking agents used. This powder form of heroin may be snorted, injected, or smoked.

Abuse Methods

White powder heroin is a water-soluble salt form of the drug with a high burning temperature, making it more common to inject rather than smoke.

Risks Of Use

Injecting dissolved powder heroin comes with a host of risks separate from smoking it or injecting black tar heroin, which may contain more additives than the powder form. Some of these risks include skin infections, the risk of contracting infectious diseases, and more.

About Brown Powder Heroin

Brown powder heroin is considered to be a less potent form of heroin, compared to white powder.

Purity

However, the reduced purity of the drug reflects in its cheaper price, which provides a less expensive alternative for individuals addicted to the substance.

Composition

Brown powder heroin will look somewhat like white powdered heroin, except that it will be an off-brown color and coarse.

Abuse Methods

Brown powder heroin is commonly smoked, however, it may also be injected or snorted. However, this form of heroin burns at a lower temperature, making it easier to smoke. When it is injected, it requires the addition of a citric or ascorbic acid to become soluble in water.

Risks Of Use

Smoking brown powder heroin comes with risks such as the increased risk of lung cancer, infections, effects on immune health, and more.

Treatment Services For Heroin Addiction

Without substance use treatment, many people who are addicted to the drug go on to develop adverse health conditions and side effects.

Treatment options may include:

• medical detoxification
• dual diagnosis treatment
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• counseling
• group therapy
• family therapy
• residential treatment
• outpatient programs

For more information about heroin addiction treatment programs, browse our directory or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff