Snorting & Smoking Vicodin | The Dangers Of Hydrocodone Abuse

Vicodin serves an important role in the United States healthcare system, helping individuals through periods of severe pain and discomfort. 

Vicodin is a combination medication that includes acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic opiate pain reliever. 

While any non-prescriptive use of Vicodin is a serious issue, snorting and smoking Vicodin significantly increase the potential for serious physical damage to the abuser, including the risk of overdose and death.

Methods Of Vicodin Abuse

Vicodin is taken orally and must be broken down and absorbed before it can enter the bloodstream and affect the brain. 

If Vicodin tablets are modified (by crushing or dissolving) it’s possible to get the full impact of the drug all at once and experience an intense high. 

While injection is the most direct and quickest method, many abusers people may snort or smoke the drug to achieve euphoric effects.

Side Effects Of Smoking Vicodin

Smoking is the second fastest method of intoxication behind injection. Once the Vicodin tablets have been reduced and the drug enters the lungs, hydrocodone is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the brain. 

However, smoking Vicodin tablets also causes various binding agents in the tablet to break down and be inhaled into the respiratory system where they can build up over time.

Side effects of smoking opioid painkillers include:

• progressive, severe irritation to eyes, lungs, nose, and throat
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• muscular weakness
• mental agitation

Side Effects Of Snorting Vicodin

While a slightly slower method of achieving an opioid high, snorting is favored by some for its ease and the lack of equipment required. 

Once crushed into a powder, the drug is inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and upper palate.

Side effects of snorting hydrocodone painkillers include:

• telltale redness around the nostrils
• frequent, severe nosebleeds
• tissue decay in the nose and upper mouth
• persistent coughing and runny nose
• development of a hole in the nasal septum–the cartilage between the nostrils (septal perforation)
• development of another hole in the roof of the mouth (upper palate perforation)
• permanent loss of smell

Effects Of Vicodin Abuse

Snorting and smoking Vicodin enhances the high that the drugs provide. However, it also greatly accelerates the progression of prescription opioid addiction.

Addiction causes the body to develop tolerance and physical dependency on the drug much more quickly.

Additionally, repeated high doses of acetaminophen can lead to liver failure as a result of long term Vicodin abuse.

Other long term health effects include:

• increased sensitivity to pain due to drug rebound
• mood changes
• anxiety and decline in mental health
• poor memory recall
• loss of interest in responsibilities, relationships, and passions
• increased risk of overdose due to drug tolerance

Opioid Overdose

Abusing hydrocodone or other opioids can increase the risk of overdose and death.

Signs and symptoms of opioid overdose include:

• slow or shallow breathing
• bluish color to lips and or fingernails
• nausea and vomiting
• unusually small pupils
• weak pulse or slow heart rate
• severe drowsiness
• coma

If you or a loved one are experiencing an opioid overdose, seek immediate emergency medical care.

Vicodin Addiction Treatment Options

Recovery from Vicodin addiction, and addiction to other prescription painkillers, is best accomplished with professional assistance at a treatment center.

Medical Detox

Individuals with a history of snorting, smoking, or injecting Vicodin will experience severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. 

Medical detox provides supervision through this process, with medications and counseling to help individuals overcome the experience safely and with compassion.

Inpatient/Outpatient Care

Inpatient and outpatient recovery programs are available to meet the needs of each patient on an individual basis. A health care provider can provide advice as to which option is best for your case.

Treatment in either setting will connect you or your loved ones with resources including support groups, stress management classes, addiction education, behavioral therapies, and counseling.

To learn more about substance abuse treatment options for Vicodin addiction, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist today.