When you step into a gas station or convenience store after a long day at work, struggling with pain and fatigue, reaching for something on the counter to help you get through the rest of the day seems like a safe step. There are all sorts of products on the shelves of gas stations or convenience stores that can seem to offer help. What you may not know is that some of these substances, including those referred to as gas station heroin, are more toxic than you realize.
At Iron Bridge Recovery Center, our team is your advocate when you are facing the use of these products to the point of needing help to stop. If you or your loved one needs help, contact us for immediate support.
Gas Station Heroin and 7-OH
Two of the dangerous substances found on the shelves of various gas stations are tianeptine and 7-OH, both of which are dangerous drugs that carry opioid-like risks.
“Seven OH” or 7-OH refers to a substance that contains 7-Hydrogoxymitragynine. This is a type of terpenoid indole alkaloid that’s found in Kratom. It has a significant binding ability to opioid receptors, which can make it a central nervous system calming agent. Often used within Kratom, it is far stronger and can be risky to both overdose and develop dependency.
Gas station heroin, which refers to products that contain tianeptine, is a drug that has been used for mental health treatment in France, but has never been approved for any medical use in the US. It carries a high risk of causing damage to the central nervous system, leading to seizures, coma, and even overdose. Some states have banned this substance. It was banned in Virginia in 2025 and added to the list of Schedule I drugs.
How Do These Dangerous Drugs Make It on Shelves?
It may seem that such bans and clear indications of disastrous effects make it evident that these drugs should not be sold at your local convenience store. Yet, somehow, they remain there. That happens for a variety of reasons, but in most cases, it is because the FDA has yet to outright ban them.
As a result, manufacturers place them in products, give them interesting names, and label them as dietary supplements, which are also not regulated by the FDA. The result is that consumers turn to them as a pick-me-up or a tool for feeling better without knowing the risks.
What to Avoid in Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
In all situations, avoid the use of any dietary product unless your doctor tells you to use it. Gas station heroin is sold under names such as:
- Tianaa
- Zaza
- Neptune’s Fix
- Pegasus
- TD Red
7-OH may be sold under other names as well, including:
- 7-Hydro
- 7-OHMZ
- 7-HMG
- Black liquid kratom
- Energy or wellness boosters in gummy and candy form
- Powders and capsules with spiked or enhanced kratom
Both products may be on store shelves promising pain relief, a reduction in anxiety or trauma, and treatment for opioid withdrawal. Avoiding these products could be helpful to you. If you are using them and cannot seem to stop, it may be time to request additional help and treatment.
How Iron Bridge Can Help You Today
Iron Bridge can provide the resources and tools you need to recover from the damage caused by these and other substances. We offer a comprehensive substance use disorder treatment plan in Richmond, VA.
Our programs fit your needs. While we offer treatment programs specific to heroin addiction and prescription opioid addiction, these gas station heroin products can also benefit from similar treatment plans. Our team will help you by:
- Determining if detox is the best first step for you, especially if you are in active use
- Providing you with resources to seek immediate help for residential treatment
- Creating an individualized treatment plan to address your physical and mental health needs
- Providing family support and therapy programs
- Guiding you through mental health treatment for any underlying health complications
We offer a range of resources that allow you to get support. That includes inpatient and outpatient care. Some of our clients benefit from our virtual intensive outpatient program, while others need the support that our 24-hour residential services can provide.
You don’t have to know what your needs are right now. You just need to know that treatment is available. These substances may not seem like serious drugs because they are sold over the counter and seem so readily available. Yet, they carry risks, and as a result, they can cause addiction.
Get Answers to Your Questions
If you are facing the use of gas station heroin, 7-OH, Kratom, or other types of products sold over the counter, you are not alone. Turn to Iron Bridge Recovery Center now for immediate help.
