What is Zaza? Zaza is a slang term for Tianeptine, a drug often referred to as “gas station heroin” due to its availability in convenience stores and its opioid-like effects. Originally developed as an antidepressant, Tianeptine is not approved for medical use in the U.S. but is often marketed as a dietary supplement, leading to widespread misuse and growing health concerns.
Known for its addictive potential, Zaza can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and other dangerous side effects when abused. Its unregulated availability and powerful effects have sparked alarm among health professionals, highlighting the importance of understanding this drug and its risks.
What is Zaza?
Zaza, commonly referred to as “gas-station heroin,” is the street name for Tianeptine. Tianeptine is an antidepressant not approved by the FDA for medical use in the United States.
Originally developed in France and used in several European and Asian countries, tianeptine enhances serotonin uptake in the brain. This is in contrast to most antidepressants, which typically inhibit the uptake. This unique mechanism provides mood-enhancing effects.
While it’s used medically in some countries to treat depression, its misuse can lead to opioid-like euphoria, making it a target for abuse. This has led to its nickname, “gas-station heroin,” due to its availability in non-medical settings like convenience stores.
Street Names and How Zaza is Used
Zaza is known by several names, including Tia, Tianna, Pegasus, and TD Red. It might also go by its brand names: Coaxil and Stablon. Tianeptine, or Zaza, usually appears as a red and white capsule, sometimes resembling hydrocodone or oxycodone. But it may also appear in salt or powder form and be misleadingly marketed as a supplement, adding to its accessibility and perceived safety.
Zaza is usually sold in oral pill form. Most users consume the pills as is, but some users can dissolve the pills in a solution and use Zaza intravenously. Because of its opioid-like effects and availability in gas stations, Zaza is highly addictive and can cause serious health and addiction risks.
The Impact of Zaza on Users
The use of Zaza can lead to both short-term and long-term effects, which vary widely due to its unregulated nature. Initially, you may experience a sense of euphoria similar to that provided by opioids, which is a crucial factor in its misuse. This euphoria can rapidly lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Short-Term Effects: In the short term, Zaza can cause sedation, euphoria, and an enhanced mood, but it also has potential side effects like:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness/drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Increased heart rate
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Weight changes
- Abnormal body movements
Long-Term Effects: Long-term use of Zaza can lead to more severe health issues such as:
- Liver damage
- Cardiovascular problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Profound withdrawal symptoms are similar to those experienced with opioid addiction.
- Psychological effects can include anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
This potent and unpredictable drug poses serious risks, making it a public health concern due to its ease of access and potential for abuse.
Is Zaza Dangerous?
According to the CDC, Zaza is a high-risk substance due to its strong opioid-like effects and the high potential for abuse and dependency. Tianeptine is classified as an atypical tricyclic antidepressant. Despite its antidepressant label, it is not recognized for medical use in the United States due to its high potential for abuse and absence of safety data. Tianeptine acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist, similar to opioids, which might explain its abuse potential.
Also, the lack of quality control in non-prescription settings like gas stations means that dosages can be inconsistent, leading to accidental overdoses. Combining these factors makes Zaza a substance of significant concern for public health and safety.
Due to its saftey and addiction concerns, the legal status of tianeptine varies. Tianeptine is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in several states. Zaza is considered to have a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use in treatment. These states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Virginia.
Other states have classified it as a Schedule II or III substance, acknowledging its potential for abuse but recognizing some limited medicinal value. States like Arkansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Tennessee classify tianeptine under these categories.
It is important to note that legislation continues to evolve, with several states proposing changes to how tianeptine is regulated—especially as more information about the drug becomes available.
Spotting Signs of Zaza Addiction
When someone is grappling with Zaza addiction, you might notice a mix of physical and emotional changes that seem out of character. Physically, they could look unusually tired or sleepy, neglecting their grooming or eating irregularly. These shifts might make them appear less energetic or thinner than usual.
Behavioral signs of Zaza addiction may include keeping secrets or lying about where they’re going or what they’re doing. One of the big red flags is seeing them continue to use Zaza even when it’s causing problems in their life. Mood swings or sudden bouts of irritability and sadness indicate that something is off.
Social signs of Zaza addiction: pulling back from family gatherings, hangouts with friends, or hobbies they used to love. And if money starts disappearing or they’re constantly short on cash, it could be a sign they’re spending a lot on maintaining their habit.
It’s important to catch these signs early. These signs are helpful to know when it might be time to reach out and help someone get the support they need, like professional addiction treatment.
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What to Expect When Stopping Zaza
Stopping Zaza isn’t just a matter of willpower; it comes with real physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms similar to that of opioid withdrawal. This happens because the body gets used to the drug’s effects, particularly its interaction with brain receptors identical to opioids.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms?
The withdrawal from Zaza can feel a lot like what happens when someone stops taking opioids. Physically, you might see someone dealing with muscle pains, sweating, shakes, and symptoms that resemble a bad flu, like nausea and diarrhea. Cravings for Zaza can be intense and hard to get rid of.
On the emotional side, expect mood swings from anxiety to irritability to deep sadness. Some people might even feel confused or unusually agitated during withdrawal. These symptoms make quitting difficult without help, so medical support is often essential.
The severity and timeline of these symptoms can vary, making it important to seek professional help for the best chance of successfully quitting.
Finding Help for Zaza Addiction at Footprints to Recovery
If you or someone you know is battling Zaza addiction, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Footprints to Recovery offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs tailored to individual needs. The services range from medical detox, where medical professionals help manage withdrawal symptoms safely, to various forms of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and family counseling.
With facilities in multiple states, including Illinois, New Jersey, and Colorado, Footprints to Recovery provides residential and outpatient programs to support individuals at every stage of their recovery journey.
For more details on how to get help, you can visit Footprints to Recovery.
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