The body as well as the mind can be affected by snorting opiates. It is important to know the risks and safety concerns with inhaling these drugs. Typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, the ingredients can cause some severe side effects.
Opiates
Opiates are available by prescription but can be obtained illegally. Street opiates cannot be regulated and tablets may include codeine or morphine with other inactive ingredients such as colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and coloring agents, to name a few. Individuals who use opiates generally take them to relieve pain but used illegally, people may seek to obtain a ‘high’ from the effects of the drug.
Effects of Opiates
Primarily the central nervous system is impacted by opiate use. The body’s perception of pain is altered by binding to opiate receptors in the brain. Feelings of euphoria along with dizziness, lightheadedness and mood changes are possible effects. Additionally, some users snort opiates to achieve the euphoric ‘high’ as opiates enter the bloodstream through the nose. Opiates are absorbed in higher amounts through snorting which can be dangerous, resulting in abrupt cessation of breathing or death. Alcohol and opiates are an extremely risky mix which result in a dangerous interaction of side effects. Extended-release versions of opiates or opioids are even more dangerous than other forms of the drug. Some of the side effects of snorting opiates can be:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- abnormal heart rate
- confusion
- difficulty breathing
- faintness/loss of consciousness
- seizures
- death
Snorting vs Oral Ingestions
Narcotic pain medications can be taken intravenously, orally or nasally. Oral ingestion is the safest way to control doses of the drug. Snorting opiates create more of the effect in a more rapid fashion which can provide immediate pain relief and euphoric feelings. This quick rush may also be dangerous resulting in serious adverse side effects including increased risk of accidents due to impaired abilities, harm to nasal passages, disease if snorting instruments are shared, addiction, potential overdose and death.
Opiate Safety
Doses of opiates taken by snorting through the nose is risky and not recommended. Fatalities can occur in people who build a tolerance to the drug. Small doses can be deadly for people with sensitivities. It is safer to not take the risk and snort opiates and use only as prescribed. Using street opiates can increase the risk of unknown substances being mixed in with the opiates with severe consequences for individuals who use them. Treatment options are available for individuals who seek support in overcoming an addiction to opiates.
Hired Power is here to help in your recovery from opiate addiction.
Call today at 800-910-9299 for more information on how we can support your journey.