The Dangers of Snorting Fentanyl

It takes less than 0.007% of an ounce of fentanyl to cause certain death, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. The extreme potency of even a tiny bit of the substance is among the reasons why 52.7% of all overdose deaths involve fentanyl. The drug can be ingested in numerous ways, including smoked or orally by pill, but the overdose danger can increase significantly when snorting fentanyl as the effects begin earlier with more intensity. As a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, with its effects produced quicker than morphine, the rise of overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl began in 2012. Sadly, the rates have only quadrupled in recent years, according to the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) of Nevada County, CA.

The ongoing fentanyl crisis in California and the U.S. makes having an addiction to the substance even more dangerous. Fentanyl addiction is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires professional treatment. Treatment for fentanyl addiction typically begins with medically supervised detox, which manages withdrawal symptoms safely and reduces the risk of relapse. Addiction treatment specialists use medications like buprenorphine to help ease withdrawal and stabilize the patient, providing a critical first step in recovery.

Can You Snort Fentanyl?

Snorting fentanyl is one of the ways to ingest the drug, along with injection and smoking. When it is in powder form, the color of fentanyl is often white, which is why it is often laced with cocaine and snorted. Snorting the substance results in a more intense high compared to taking it orally. This method delivers the drug to the brain quicker, causing a faster rise in fentanyl concentration, which can lead to powerful and potentially deadly effects. When fentanyl is taken orally, it gets broken down in the stomach, intestines, and liver before it reaches the brain, which makes the effects less intense than when it is snorted.

Risks of Snorting Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a form of prescription opioid that is specifically designed to provide a person with almost instant pain relief. However, regardless of the form of fentanyl, you are prescribed, this substance is not something that is meant to be snorted. The immediate danger of snorting fentanyl is that you put yourself at more risk of a drug overdose. However, snorting fentanyl can also result in experiencing any one of the following symptoms: 

Can Snorting Fentanyl Give You Migraines?

Yes, migraine headaches are among the side effects of fentanyl use by snorting. Other common side effects on how to tell if someone is on fentanyl include dry mouth, weakness, sweating, diarrhea, chest pain, difficulty sleeping, back pain, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, loss of smell, nosebleeds, and frequent runny nose. Knowing these symptoms quickly can be crucial, as a fentanyl overdose requires immediate medical attention, which typically involves administering naloxone—a medication specifically intended to counteract the effects of fentanyl. Being aware of the risks and symptoms linked to fentanyl abuse is crucial to help stem the tide of overdose deaths.

Is It Worse to Snort Fentanyl or Smoke It?

Injecting the substance has the most risk for overdose, but snorting or smoking still poses overdose risks. Due to its most intense and quicker release into the bloodstream, snorting fentanyl is worse than smoking it if the same amount of the substance is used. Snorthing fentanyl can quickly result in the brain and body being overwhelmed, leading to dangerous overdose effects such as respiratory distress.

What Does Snorting Fentanyl Do to Your Lungs?

Snorting fentanyl impacts the lungs by causing severe respiratory distress, which causes breathing to be shallow or stop entirely, posing a critical threat to life. Ingesting fentanyl through the nose can cause lung damage, which increases the risk of respiratory issues like pneumonia and respiratory failure. Frequent snorting can damage the nasal tissues and structures, potentially leading to long-lasting issues that may disrupt normal breathing. The long-term health risks associated with using fentanyl emphasize the significant consequences it can have over time, reinforcing the need for professional help and support for people facing addiction.

Damage Caused by Snorting Fentanyl

While you may be suffering from severe pain and be in need of pain management techniques, resorting to snorting fentanyl should never be a viable option. Unfortunately, when you resort to abusing fentanyl to be able to manage severe pain or as your main source of pain management, you put yourself in a precarious position. One of the most frequently asked questions about this type of substance use disorder revolves around the real damage that you can do to your body as a result of snorting fentanyl. Here are some of the side effects that you may experience as a result of this type of substance use disorder: 

Snorting Fentanyl and Drug Overdose

One of the sad results of struggling with an addiction to fentanyl abusing this substance can cause you to experience a drug overdose. Although this type of addiction leads to countless overdose deaths around the world, it’s possible for you to experience an overdose and be physically and psychologically harmed but not die. If you or a loved one is experiencing an overdose, it’s imperative that you reach out for help for immediate treatment so that you can receive the instant help and care that you need to combat the possibility of serious overdose risks. Regardless of whether you’re snorting or smoking fentanyl, there is always the chance that you could overdose on this harmful drug so you should reach out for help as soon as possible so that you can end your cycle of abusing fentanyl. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, a fentanyl overdose can cause everything from stupor, changes in pupil size, and clammy skin to cyanosis, coma, and even respiratory failure leading to death.

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

There are several signs and symptoms that you may be suffering from a fentanyl addiction and you could benefit from a partial hospitalization plan or an intensive outpatient program. Here are some of the ways to tell if you’re a candidate for a substance use disorders program: 

You Cannot Maintain Your Job 

During the time that you’re under the influence of fentanyl, it will be all but impossible for you to be able to maintain your professional responsibilities. Therefore, you either run the risk of completely losing your job or you lose your job flat out. For the majority of people, a job is the only way that they are able to meet their financial responsibilities so losing your job could be something that is catastrophic. 

Disconnect with Friends and Family Members 

Has your substance abuse negatively impacted the close relationship that you once had with your friends and family? If the answer is yes then there is a strong possibility that you may be suffering from fentanyl addiction. Once you take steps toward getting the help that you need, however, there is a chance that your family may be open to redeveloping their relationship with you once again. This is where family therapy will be a powerful and beneficial tool during your time in treatment. 

Cravings 

If you begin to crave this potentially deadly substance within just a few hours from the time that you last ingested it, you need to reach out for help right away as this is a clear sign of an addiction issue.

Find Help to Overcome Addiction to Snorting Fentanyl

The high potency of fentanyl raises the likelihood of developing physical dependence and addiction, which makes quitting difficult and often necessitates professional treatment. Professional treatment involves an evidence-based approach that addresses both the mental and physical aspects of an addiction to snorting fentanyl. Treatment programs for fentanyl addiction include individual and group counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients understand the root causes of their addiction and develop coping strategies to rebuild their lives.

Resurgence Behavioral Health in California aims to help patients restore relationships, regain professional stability, and create a meaningful, drug-free life. Our addiction support programs provide the comprehensive care needed to overcome fentanyl addiction and support lasting recovery. Please call us at 855-458-0050 today to learn more about Resurgence Behavioral Health can help you or a loved one overcome any type of drug or alcohol addiction.

External Sources

• National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics – Fentanyl Abuse Statistics
• DEA – Fentanyl Factsheets
• Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) of Nevada County, CA – Fentanyl and Opioid Overdose Prevention

Learn about the dangers of snorting Fentanyl and get help today at Resurgence Behavioral Health! #fentanyl #dangersoffentanylhttps://t.co/m0mitpmmN8

— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) May 11, 2022

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