The Cheese

In 2005 a new and deadly recreational drug emerged on the street market, focused towards pre-teens and teenagers alike. “Cheese” or “Cheeze” is the mixing of one illegal drug (Heroin) with a legal drug (Tylenol PM). Tylenol PM is a combination of Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine (the main ingredient of Benadryl). Heroin by itself is a potent and highly addictive opiate narcotic which can be very expensive; therefore it can be very difficult or next to impossible for young people to afford and maintain a habit. Drug dealers, as always, took it upon themselves to find a way to make it affordable. When they cut the drug with Tylenol PM it makes a less potent and less expensive, yet still addictive, street drug.

People are not injecting or smoking “Cheese”, rather the standard form of consumption is snorting; snorting drugs like Amphetamines (i.e. Ritalin) and Cocaine is common in middle and high school, so naturally “Cheese” would be consumed the same way. A line of “Cheese” ($2) is much cheaper than a line of cocaine ($10) these days; however, the dangers of snorting “Cheese” are much greater with regard to overdose.

The combination of different drugs in “Cheese” has proven fatal in a number of cases throughout Texas; Dallas seems to have become the epicenter of this new and deadly drug. The human liver can only process so many things at one time, especially in younger under developed bodies such as teenagers. The other issue with “Cheese” is the level of purity with regard to the varying percentage of heroin from one batch of “Cheese” to another. A teenager may be under the impression that the amount of the drug he did yesterday will affect him the same way today with a new batch. These inconsistencies can and will prove fatal with continued usage.

If you are a parent and may have knowledge of your child using “Cheese” or any other opiate narcotic, and are interested in getting help or more information you are at the right place. Seek help before any more damage can be done, “Cheese” is very dangerous and will only lead to continued and potentially more fatal drug use.