The calm, pleasant feeling that results leads some people to keep taking hydrocodone even when they no longer need it as a painkiller. Prescription hydrocodone is commonly paired with acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer branded as Tylenol.
The hydrocodone and acetaminophen combination is sold under many names, including Vicodin, Lortab and Norco. Since long-term use of acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage, these combination drugs carry an additional risk. When taken orally, hydrocodone travels through the body before entering the bloodstream and affecting the brain. When someone snorts hydrocodone, blood vessels in their nose absorb it, producing a quicker and more intense high.
Though smoking and intravenous injection both take a substance to the brain faster than insufflation, these are not common methods of taking hydrocodone and have a reputation of being more dangerous. Snorting a drug is no safer than smoking or injection, but many people believe that it is. When someone takes hydrocodone for an extended period of time, they will likely develop a tolerance to it.
The body adapts to the substance and requires the person to take a higher dose for the same effect. This can lead to physical dependence, a state in which someone must take hydrocodone in order for their body to operate normally. Physical dependence is often accompanied by addiction, a mental craving for the drug that results in drug-seeking behaviors and compulsive use despite negative physical and social consequences.
Often, someone who becomes addicted to hydrocodone begins taking it as prescribed by their doctor. Over time, they take more and continue to take it longer than recommended. Because snorting hydrocodone takes it to the brain more quickly, they may begin to abuse it in this way, especially if they have built a tolerance to it. Many states monitor controlled substances, making it more difficult for people to go doctor shopping and obtain multiple prescriptions. This may prevent some people from abusing prescription opioids, but those suffering from addiction may obtain hydrocodone on the street.
Sadly, some people who begin abusing prescription opioids eventually turn to heroin. Also an opioid, heroin has many of the same effects as hydrocodone, but it comes at a lower cost. It may also be more dangerous, as it is frequently laced with impurities and other substances like fentanyl, which can be deadly even in small doses.
It is possible for someone to overdose on hydrocodone if they take too much at one time. Snorting hydrocodone also raises the risk of overdose, as it enters the system more suddenly.
If someone takes more than one dose nasally, it can cause a buildup of hydrocodone in their system that would not occur so quickly with oral administration.
The result of a hydrocodone overdose is extreme respiratory depression that can result in seizures, coma or death. The risk of an overdose occurring is significantly higher if someone uses hydrocodone with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Tweet This. Specific to snorting, there are a number of issues that a person may face, including: Chronic runny nose Inflammation and pain in the throat and nasal passages Respiratory problems A potential need for reconstructive surgery if snorting these drugs is chronic enough to wear away the nasal passages.
Rings, lockets or other jewelry with hidden compartments designed to carry powders for quick use. Short, two- or three-inch pieces of plastic drinking straws or plastic pen tubes used for snorting the powder. Razor blades, especially when found in combination with other items on the list or covered in white powder residue.
Related To This. The Dangers of Alcohol Use on College Spring Break The gift of attending university is one of the most rewarding and challenging life adventures a person can experience. For many families, the college years are a rite of passage, and families that celebrate the first family member to ever attend college experience incredible pride.
University life and young adulthood are also times of new Read more ». View Center. Buying and injecting Heroin seem so extreme to most individuals without a use disorder that it can be hard to understand how someone gets to that point. When talking to people who started as legal drug users and progressed to Heroin use , it becomes much clearer as to the steps involved.
Oftentimes prescription Opioid use disorders start when someone is injured or undergoes surgery. Once their direct access to prescription medication dries up, they may look elsewhere for more. Friends, family, dealers, etc. Learn More. This stage is where experimentation with snorting Percocet usually starts. After having taken the pills orally for their injury and burgeoning dependence, they may have started interacting with people who influence them to try other methods.
Though the media almost exclusively portrays Heroin as an intravenous drug, it can also be smoked and snorted in its purer forms. People supporting prescription Opioid snorting habits often find snorting Heroin a more palatable next step because of the familiar delivery method. Heroin is typically cheaper than Percocet and depending on location it may be more readily available. Habits like these can only be sustained for so long before money becomes problematic.
Lower quality Heroin is much cheaper than pure Heroin or prescription Opioid options. The lower the quality, the more likely it is that it needs to be injected intravenously. The consequences associated with Opioid dependencies drive home the importance of avoiding getting hooked. Avoiding all possibility of injury may lead to an Opioid prescription is not a realistic way to live, but there are ways to minimize risk if you do need a prescription. Make a Call Taking more than the recommended dose or taking the medication for longer than intended drastically increases your risk of dependence.
The Opioid epidemic is affecting people from all over the US, no matter their location or socioeconomic status.
For more rehab-related information, contact a treatment provider today. Michael Muldoon earned a B. He enjoys spending his free time at the climbing gym with friends. Mallorca, Spain. Athens, Greece. Andover, MA.
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