An Informative Guide to Snortable Pills
As individuals become addicted to pain medication, they may move to alternative administration methods to continuously achieve the same effects. One of the most common ways individuals abuse pain medications is by crushing and snorting the pills. This can cause various health risks, and understanding snortable pills is essential in preventing these risks.
This informative guide aims to provide an understanding of snortable pills by addressing why individuals snort pills, the dangers of snorting pills, the most common type of snorted pills, and how to help someone with a pill addiction.
Why Do People Snort Pills?
Snorting pills, a form of drug abuse, involves crushing pills into a fine powder and inhaling the powder through the nose. This method of use has become a common way for individuals to abuse prescription drugs. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.7 million individuals misused prescription pain relievers. This showcases the importance of understanding the dangers of snorting pills and how to help those with a pill addiction.
Individuals may snort pills due to the rapid onset of effects by bypassing the digestive system and directly entering the bloodstream through the nasal mucous membranes. This results in a quicker and more intense high. Individuals tend to snort pills to experience the effects of euphoria, relaxation, or altered perceptions and may view it as a safer alternative to intravenous injection.
The Dangers of Snorting Pills
Snorting drugs, specifically pills, can have potentially life-threatening side effects. The dangers of snorting pills may vary depending on the type of pill being snorted. However, snorting any kind of pill can cause damage to the nasal cavity along with many other dangerous side effects. These side effects and dangers may include:
- Nasal and respiratory problems
- Increased risk of overdose
- Elevated heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Difficulties breathing
- Increased tolerance levels
- Loss of sense of smell
- Damage to the nasal septum
What Are the Most Common Snortable Pills?
While it’s crucial to acknowledge that snorting any pill not intended for nasal administration is risky and potentially harmful, certain types of pills are more commonly misused due to their effects on the central nervous system and their potential for producing intense highs. The three common types of snortable pills are benzodiazepines, opioids, and amphetamines. These encompass various medications and can cause differing side effects. These medications include:
- Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are also a type of sedative medication and are commonly prescribed to help with anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep problems. These medications include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium).
- Opioids: Opioids are the most abused prescription medications due to the euphoric effects they produce. These medications are prescribed as painkillers and can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Prescription opioids include codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Oxycodone is in common drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Roxicodone.
- Amphetamines: Amphetamines are stimulants that are prescribed to help individuals with conditions such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, many individuals abuse these medications to increase energy and experience the euphoric effects. Amphetamines include Adderall, Dextroamphetamine, and Mydasis.
Learn More: How To Avoid Xanax Withdrawal Seizures & Other Symptoms
What’s the Difference Between Snorting or Swallowing Pills?
The decision between snorting and swallowing pills can have significant consequences on an individual’s health and well-being. As stated previously, snorting pills involves crushing them into a fine powder and inhaling the substance through the nasal passages, while swallowing pills entails ingesting them orally. The distinction between these two methods lies in their physiological effects and the potential risks they may cause.
As we have already discussed why individuals may snort pills and the dangers of snorting pills, we can now look at the difference between snorting and swallowing pills. Swallowing pills involves the oral route of administration, where the drug is broken down and absorbed through the digestive system. This method typically leads to a slower onset of effects as the medication passes through the stomach and liver before reaching the bloodstream. While the delay might be less enticing to individuals seeking instant highs, the slower process can be safer, allowing for better control over the dosage and reducing the risk of overdose.
What Are the Signs Someone Is Snorting Pills?
Similar to the side effects of snorting pills, the signs that someone may be snorting pills can vary. This can depend on the amount being snorted, the frequency of use, and the individual’s body composition. However, understanding and recognizing the signs someone is snorting pills can help individuals receive the treatment and support they need to battle the addiction. Some of the most common signs to look out for include:
- Frequent or heavy nosebleeds
- Constant congestion or runny nose
- Sniffing or snorting
- Residue around nostrils
- Damage to the nasal cavity
How to Help Someone with a Pill Addiction
If an individual has begun snorting drugs to achieve intense high feelings, they may be experiencing a pill addiction. This is a form of drug addiction and requires the same treatment and support as other substance use disorders. Supporting an individual with a pill addiction can be a complex and challenging task, requiring a compassionate and understanding approach. By understanding the signs above, you can determine if an individual is struggling with a pill addiction.
To begin to help someone with a pill addiction, they must receive treatment from an addiction center to be under the supervision of medical professionals during their recovery. While at a treatment center, many individuals will work with a medical professional to create an individualized treatment plan. This plan may include medical detox, inpatient or outpatient rehab, and various behavioral therapies.
Read More: Understanding the Different Types of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Pill Addiction Treatment at Oasis Recovery Center
Having a pill addiction can be dangerous to an individual’s physical and mental health, and finding the proper treatment may seem overwhelming. By understanding the treatment options out there, individuals can make informed decisions on their treatment to properly recover from snorting pills.
At Oasis Recovery Center, located in Asheville, NC, we provide holistic, individualized, and evidence-based addiction treatment services to our clients. Our services cover all kinds of substance use disorders, from alcohol addiction to opioid addiction to marijuana addiction. With our various treatment therapies and healing modalities, we can address each client’s needs and guide them on the path to recovery.
If you or a loved one are suffering from pill addiction or other substance use disorders, contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs.
