Drug use is bad for your health. However, snorting narcotics poses a much greater risk. As soon as these substances are absorbed into the bloodstream, they interact with particular proteins and change how cells function. Drugs can affect physiological function by interacting with proteins in the body. Illicit drugs are often snorted by teenagers and adults for recreational purposes. But the dangers of snorting drugs are always overlooked. Different substances are now often used through snorting.
People engage in insufflation, or the act of blowing something into a body cavity (in this case, their nose) it because it speeds up the absorption of substance into their systems compared to other techniques. It is incredibly risky to snort substances because it can lead to a multitude of health problems. Additionally, you may become addicted even faster as a result from snorting. Let’s examine a few of the substances that snorters most frequently consume.
Types of Drugs People Snort
One common way to consume substances is through nasal insufflation, or snorting them into the nose. Because it reaches the bloodstream quickly through the soft tissues in the nasal canal, snorting has a speedier start than eating.
Snorting tobacco (snuff) has been practiced since the fifteenth century. Tobacco for snuff is reduced to a fine powder so that it can be snorted and absorbed through the nasal passages. Other substances include:
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Synthetic Cathinones (bath salts)
- 3-Methymethcathinone (3-MMC and Metapherone)
- Opioids
- Ketamine
The substance of choice is often finely chopped with a razor blade on a solid surface and then crushed up into a powder. The substance can then be separated into “lines” and inhaled up into the nasal passages using a straw or folded paper.
Why is Snorting Drugs so Popular?
For a number of distinct reasons, drug usage by snorting is common.
It Hits Faster
Because it avoids the digestive system, people snort substances they would otherwise swallow. For substances, the digestive system serves as a filter. Everything toxic to the body is removed. It also postpones the start of the drug’s effects. Those who use drugs can get high more quickly by snorting them.
Less Dangerous Tools Needed
Some drugs like heroin require needles or special tools to use if injected or smoked. Sharing needles can be extremely dangerous because of the substantial risks of damaging blood vessels as well as contracting HIV or Hepatitis.
Some Narcotics are Designed for Snorting
There are also some narcotics that are just made to be snorted, like cocaine. There is little doubt that people will keep trying to snort narcotics because of the benefits snorting offers over other methods of substance use. Unfortunately, this will inevitably result in an increase in drug addiction.
Drug Abuse and Addiction
Drug addiction and abuse refer to the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications for purposes other than those for which they were prescribed or in excess. Social, physical, emotional, and employment-related issues can result from drug usage. Even if a drug causes severe harm, an addiction makes it unable to control the need to use it. But addiction rehabilitation is achievable if one is determined and eager to become well.
Side Effects of Drug Addiction
Drugs can have a variety of impacts. Among the side effects of a substances are persistent and lifelong health issues. Even after stopping, the person may continue taking the drug. Injection, inhalation, and ingestion are the three primary ways to consume drugs. The way a substance is taken can have an impact on how it works in the body.Â
They can vary depending on the substance, how much of it is taken, how regularly, and how the patient is feeling in general. Substance misuse and dependence can generally have serious negative effects. All of the body’s organs could be impacted. Also the brain and physical health could be impacted.
- A compromised immune system
- risk of disease and infection
- irregular heartbeats
- heart attacks
- collapsing veins
- blood vessel infectionsÂ
- stomach pain
- nausea
- affect appetiteÂ
- weight loss
- stress on the liver
- strokeÂ
- seizures
- disorientation
- brain damage
- lung condition
- memory
- concentration
Signs Someone Is Snorting Drugs
If a loved one is snorting drugs, there are some physical signs to look out for, including:
- Runny nose
- Frequent sinus / nasal problems
- Chronic cold / allergy symptoms
- Nosebleeds
- Sores in the nose or mouth
- Issues swallowing or breathing
A person who is snorting drugs may also carry tools, or paraphernalia, to assist them to snort drugs including: tiny spoons, straws, small mirrors, and razor blades.
Dangers of Snorting Drugs
There are some negative health effects of drug snorting. The respiratory system’s impairment is foremost among them. Because they are so fragile, mucous membranes are easily harmed by snorting. Normal breathing might become challenging when membranes are compromised and stop functioning normally. Snorting narcotics can even cause a person to lose their sense of smell.
Among people who share snorting accessories, mucosal membrane damage raises the risk for blood-borne illnesses including hepatitis C and HIV. This is due to the possibility that tiny amounts of blood could seep from inflamed mucous membranes and get on some items, exposing everyone who uses them to any illnesses the original user may be carrying.
Snoring often or continuously over time might harm or destroy the septum (the cartilage between the nostrils). The medications themselves can result in heart failure, coma, seizures, and even death, regardless of how a person takes them.
Treatment for Snorting Drugs
Drug abuse should not be ignored and one must seek treatment as soon as possible. Addiction treatment centers can offer great treatment plans so you can get better. It is in your best interest to choose an addiction treatment center that offers outpatient rehab and Telehealth Addiction Treatment Services. Before you begin your addiction treatment make sure to contact your insurance provider like Cigna Health. As most insurance providers do all or some part of addiction treatment. Best is to contact your insurance provider and get all the details.Â
Conclusion on the Dangers of Snorting Drugs
Drugs can have stronger effects when snorted, which is one of the reasons individuals do it. However, the potent high that follows may make the substance much more harmful to health. Many diseases and disabilities are brought on by drug use and addiction worldwide. Avoid areas where you know there will be drugs and drink available. surrounding yourself with non-drug-using friends being able to withstand temptation. The greatest method to overcome drug usage and addiction and maintain a healthy lifestyle is to learn how to deal with stress and unwind without using drugs.
Author: Jordyn Mastrodomenico LPC, LCADC CTP
Jordyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). She holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, from Caldwell University, Jordyn has extensive experience in Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient settings and is skilled at guiding clients through the recovery process in individual and group therapy sessions.
