Snorting Percocet Addiction Side Effects & Potential Dangers

Snorting Percocet

Percocet is a prescription medication that combines two active ingredients: oxycodone, a potent opioid pain reliever, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic. It is typically prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain, such as post-surgical discomfort or chronic pain conditions. Oxycodone, the opioid component of Percocet, works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain sensations and producing a sense of euphoria.

However, snorting Percocet refers to crushing the tablets into a fine powder and inhaling it through the nose. This method bypasses the intended oral route of administration and delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. Snorting Percocet is a form of misuse and abuse, as it enhances the rapid absorption of oxycodone, intensifying its effects and altering the drug’s intended pharmacokinetics.

By snorting Percocet, individuals aim to achieve a more immediate and intense high. However, this method significantly increases the risks associated with drug abuse. The fine powder can irritate and damage delicate tissues, leading to nasal congestion, nosebleeds, sinus infections, and septum perforation. Moreover, snorting Percocet can lead to a higher risk of addiction, overdose, and other severe health complications.

What Happens If You Snort Percocet?

Snorting Percocet, a practice often associated with drug misuse and abuse, can have numerous symptoms and side effects. By bypassing the intended oral route of administration, individuals expose themselves to various risks and health complications. Here are some of the symptoms and side effects commonly associated with snorting Percocet:

• Rapid Onset and Intensity of Effects: Snorting Percocet delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues, resulting in a faster onset of effects than oral ingestion. The intense high experienced can lead to a rush of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief.
• Nasal and Respiratory Issues: Snorting Percocet can cause significant damage to the nasal passages and respiratory system. The fine powder irritates and inflames the tissues, leading to nasal congestion, chronic runny nose, frequent nosebleeds, and sinus infections. Prolonged abuse may result in a deviated septum or nasal septum perforation, causing chronic pain, breathing difficulties, and changes in the nose’s appearance.
• Increased Risk of Addiction: Snorting Percocet significantly increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder. The rapid delivery of oxycodone to the brain intensifies the rewarding effects, reinforcing the desire to continue using the drug. Addiction to Percocet can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior, withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, and a diminished ability to control drug use despite negative consequences.
• Overdose: Snorting Percocet raises the risk of overdose due to the concentrated and immediate release of oxycodone into the bloodstream. Overdose symptoms include extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, confusion, pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness, and, in severe cases, respiratory depression or even death. Combining Percocet with other substances, such as alcohol or sedatives, further amplifies the risk of overdose.
• Psychological and Behavioral Effects: Snorting Percocet can have various psychological and behavioral consequences. Individuals may experience mood swings, agitation, anxiety, and increased irritability. It can also impair judgment, decision-making abilities, and cognitive function, impairing performance at work, school, or personal relationships.
• Social and Legal Consequences: Snorting Percocet can have significant social and legal ramifications. The addiction and behavioral changes associated with drug abuse can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Moreover, the non-medical use of Percocet is illegal and can result in legal troubles, including criminal charges and a criminal record.

These symptoms and side effects may vary in severity depending on individual factors such as dosage, frequency of use, duration of abuse, and overall health. If you or someone you know is struggling with Percocet misuse or addiction, seeking professional help and support is crucial for recovery and minimizing the potential risks.

Learn More:

• Vicodin vs Percocet, What are the Differences?
• Yellow Percocet. Perc 10 Imprint Pictures, Percocet Yellow Oxycodone-Acetaminophen Side Effects, Uses, & Dose.
• Percocet Addiction Deadly Signs, Symptoms, & Side Effects
• Percocet Addiction Symptoms
• Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, Effects, Detox Tappering Dangers.
• What Is A Prescription Pill Detox Program?
• Prescription Drugs Addiction Causes & Symptoms

1.6 Million

Approximately 1.6 million people aged 12 or older reported misusing prescription pain relievers, including opioids like Percocet, within the past year.

Source: NSDUH

23%

In a retrospective analysis of emergency department visits related to nonmedical use of opioids, a study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine in 2017 reported that snorting opioids, including Percocet, accounted for approximately 23% of the cases.

Source: American Journal of Emergency Medicine

Do People Snort Percocet?

Yes, people snort Percocet, although the exact prevalence can be difficult to determine. Snorting Percocet involves crushing the tablets into a fine powder and inhaling it through the nose, bypassing the intended oral route of administration. This method is often employed to achieve a more rapid and intense high. However, snorting Percocet poses significant risks and potential dangers.

While specific statistics on snorting Percocet may be limited, broader data on prescription opioid misuse provide insights into the prevalence of non-oral routes of administration. Here are a few relevant statistics:

• National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): According to the NSDUH conducted in 2020, an estimated 9.7 million people aged 12 or older in the United States reported misusing prescription opioids in the past year. While this statistic does not explicitly focus on snorting Percocet, it indicates the widespread issue of non-medical prescription opioid use, including alternative routes of administration.

Why Do People Snort Percocet?

People may choose to snort Percocet for various reasons, although it is essential to note that snorting Percocet is considered a form of drug misuse and abuse. Here are some reasons why individuals may engage in this practice:

• Seeking a Faster Onset of Effects: Snorting Percocet can lead to a more rapid onset of the drug’s effects than oral ingestion. By bypassing the digestive system, the drug is absorbed directly through the nasal tissues and enters the bloodstream more quickly. This method may provide a quicker and more intense high.
• Intensifying the High: Snorting Percocet can enhance the drug’s euphoric effects. The rapid absorption and higher bioavailability achieved through snorting can result in a more intense and immediate high, potentially leading to heightened feelings of pleasure and sedation.
• Misconceptions about Enhanced Effectiveness: Some individuals may mistakenly believe that snorting Percocet makes the drug more effective or potent. They may think bypassing the liver’s metabolic processes through nasal administration can enhance the drug’s pain-relieving properties or increase its potency.