“Black Shadow”: Laced heroin implicated in deaths

Users advised to call Health Department

DETROIT — A recent spike in heroin-related deaths have caused city health officials to strongly advise heroin users call the Institute for Population Health (800.467.2452) immediately for admission to treatment. Experts suspect the recent increase of fatalities in Detroit and across the country can be attributed to using heroin laced with fentanyl analogues, substances found in strong prescription pain medications. Users may not know that a particular type of heroin — also known as “Black Shadow” — has been cut with fentanyl analogues, is much more potent than traditional street heroin and can be lethal. Fentanyl-related overdoses can result in sudden death by respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, severe respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse or severe anaphylactic reaction. Kanzoni Asabigi M.D., vice president of IPH Behavioral Health, explained, “It is particularly alarming to the behavioral health community because fentanyl does not show up on routine toxicology screens.” “Philip Seymour Hoffman’s overdose on Feb. 2 has brought national attention to the proliferation of heroin use across the country, especially in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey,” said Vern Anthony, director of Detroit Health and Wellness Promotion.  “His death also highlights the changing face of heroin users in America,” she continued. Heroin use may be directly related to the high rate of opiates, such as Vicodin and OxyContin, being prescribed. Individuals sometimes transition to heroin as these prescription drugs become more restricted. “People from all walks of life in urban, suburban and rural areas — including doctors, lawyers and housewives — are struggling with heroin addiction, most often after finding they can no longer access or afford OxyContin or Vicodin,” added Anthony. A recent MSNBC Disrupt television program interview revealed a packet of heroin can be purchased for as little at $4; on average, heroin costs 10 percent of what prescription pain medications cost. Twenty-four-hour substance abuse services are available at 1.800.467.2452. Walk-in services are available at the Institute for Population Health’s North End location at 8904 Woodward Ave. near Clairmount, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on substance use disorders, visit www.samhsa.gov. –Staff report