What Are the Dangers of Snorting Vicodin?

Opioid medications have a valid medical purpose to help those who suffer from chronic or acute pain that can’t be managed with other drugs. Unfortunately, opioids can be highly addictive, and the ongoing opioid crisis points to just how bad these addictions can get, leading to failed relationships, health problems, and even death. One of the prescription opioids, Vicodin, is a combination of hydrocodone and the pain reliever acetaminophen. If taken as directed for a short period of time, the risk of addiction is rather low. However, addiction does happen, and users will often end up snorting Vicodin to feel the rush of effects sooner.

Like the dangers of snorting fentanyl or other substances, consuming Vicodin in this way can cause a whole host of serious side effects and permanent consequences, including nasal tissue damage, perforated septums, and other significant problems. Let’s dive deeper into understanding what Vicodin is, why people snort it, and what this kind of addiction can do to the human body.

What Is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a brand name for the combination of hydrocodone, an opioid, and the pain reliever and fever reducer acetaminophen. Doctors prescribe it to patients with pain that cannot be adequately treated with other pain relievers. The acetaminophen isn’t habit-forming, but taking too much of it can cause serious liver damage.

However, hydrocodone is an opioid that relieves pain and stops coughing by acting on the brain and central nervous system. Like other opioids, it can be very addictive, and patients can accidentally become dependent on the feelings of euphoria, drowsiness, and relief that Vicodin can bring about.

The most common side effects of Vicodin are dizziness or lightheadedness. Drowsiness or sleepiness is also possible. Because it contains an opioid, Vicodin use is closely monitored for signs of abuse or addiction, and it can cause overdoses if too much is taken at once.

Why Do People Snort Vicodin?

People who abuse Vicodin sometimes want to feel the euphoric or calming effects of the drug sooner, and the way they consume the drug can influence how long it will take until they feel the effects. Vicodin often comes in a tablet, and if taken orally in that manner, it can take a while until the person starts to feel it.

That’s why they might decide to crush the tablet into a powder to snort. Our noses are lined with delicate tissues and nerves, and when someone is snorting Vicodin, the drug will quickly take effect and be absorbed into the system.

What Are the Risks of Snorting Vicodin?

There are unique risks that come with snorting Vicodin and when combining substances, such as the dangers of mixing alcohol and Vicodin or another drug. Changing the method of how a drug is consumed can also bring about special or new risks, including the unique health problems that can happen if Vicodin is snorted rather than taken orally as a tablet.

Our noses are lined with sensitive tissue, nerves, and cartilage that do important things like filter contaminants out of the air we’re breathing and give us our sense of smell. These delicate structures can become seriously inflamed and damaged from snorting drugs, including Vicodin.

A 2012 study published in The Laryngoscope journal looked into the cases of 35 patients in Kentucky who snorted Vicodin and were treated for nasal problems between 2004 and 2011. Doctors most often diagnose the cause of the issues after finding white powder covering an area of nasal mucosal necrosis or the death of cells in the body tissues.

Of these 35 patients, 43% sought treatment for nasal pain, and 43% also presented with congestion and nasal discharge. The vast majority (77%) had some kind of active necrosis or signs of past tissue loss, and 51% had perforated septums. Another 26% had perforations in the hard palate or roof of the mouth.

Sadly, two cases of an invasive fungal infection were documented in these patients, resulting in the death of one person. Even with these significant nasal problems, only 26% of the patients who were studied returned for follow-up care and treatment.

What Are the Signs of Vicodin Addiction?

Like other opioids, Vicodin can be quite addictive, causing a whole series of mental and physical health problems and risking a potentially fatal drug overdose. There are several signs of addiction to Vicodin or other opioids, including:

• Becoming physically dependent on the drug and suffering withdrawal symptoms when it isn’t taken.
• Using the medication in a risky, unhealthy, or abusive manner despite the problems it’s causing them.
• Experiencing intense cravings for the drug.
• Drowsiness, changes in sleep patterns, and weight loss.
• Not keeping up with basic hygiene or responsibilities at home, work, or school.
• Isolating from friends and loved ones.
• Frequently suffering from flu-like symptoms.
• Struggling financially or even stealing from work or friends.

In addition to those warning signs, doctors are advised to look out for clues that their patients might be abusing opioids or addicted to the medications. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these signs can include:

• Loss of Control: The patient reports lost or stolen medication, tries to get early refills, or seeks out the medicine from other providers. At appointments, the doctor might recognize signs of opioid withdrawal.
• Craving/Preoccupation with Use: The patient asks for increased dosages of the opioid medication or reports an increase in pain even though their underlying disease or injury hasn’t gotten worse. They might also dismiss discussions about trying other treatments that don’t involve opioids.
• Use Despite Negative Consequences: The patient is overly sedated, isn’t doing things they used to, or is functioning poorly. They could also struggle to keep up with their work responsibilities or relationships.

Overcome Addiction and Quit Snorting Vicodin With Help From Resurgence

Vicodin can be an effective pain reliever when used correctly and as prescribed – but it can also become a serious problem for those who become addicted to this opioid. Snorting Vicodin can make things even more dangerous, exposing the user to the risk of serious nasal damage and even death. That’s why it’s so important to get help if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to Vicodin or other opioids.

In California, Resurgence Behavioral Health is a top provider of addiction treatment services to overcome the stranglehold of opioids and gain the skills and strength you need for lifelong recovery after addiction. We can help you or your loved one get better. Get started today by calling us at 855-458-0050.

External Sources

• Mayo Clinic – Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen (Oral Route)
• National Library of Medicine – Intranasal Hydrocone-Acetaminophen Abuse Induced Necrosis of the Nasal Cavity and Pharynx
• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Recognizing Opioid Abuse

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial