Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The opioid epidemic remains a pressing issue in Virginia, with holiday seasons often amplifying its impact. Despite statewide efforts to combat opioid abuse, emerging substances, such as Tianeptine, also known as “gas station heroin”, are complicating the fight. 

While North Carolina recently banned the substance, Tianeptine remains legal in Virginia, raising concerns among health officials. Originally developed as an antidepressant in Europe, the drug mimics the effects of heroin and works on the same opioid receptors, making it both highly addictive and dangerous. Though regulated as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the state, its designation is set to expire in July 2025 unless further legislative action is taken. 

Charlottesville in particular has seen alarmingly high rates of opioid-related overdoses compared to other Virginia college towns. Experts attribute this trend to a combination of widespread community resources, familial dysfunction, and the region’s empathetic approach, which may inadvertently enable cyclical addiction. 

With the opioid crisis shifting due to new substances and access issues, health officials and community leaders are pushing for well-rounded strategies that focus on prevention, treatment, and tackling the bigger societal picture.

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