Dangers of Snorting and Smoking Percocet

Percocet, an opioid painkiller that combines both oxycodone and acetaminophen, is commonly prescribed for the treatment of acute pain that is moderate to severe. When used for a brief period according to a doctor’s recommendations, the medication is safe for use. However, misusing Percocet is highly dangerous.

This page will discuss the many serious risks of misusing Percocet and how opioid addiction can be treated.

Risks of Smoking or Snorting Percocet

The risks associated with use of Percocet are increased when the painkiller is used in a way that is not recommended by doctors, and snorting or smoking the drug are both behaviors that fall into that category.

Both smoking and snorting Percocet facilitate a more rapid onset of side effects, including the “high” associated with use, which in turn can increase the likelihood of experiencing the dangers that can come with Percocet misuse. Common health risks of smoking or snorting Percocet include overdose, injury while under the influence, and developing an opioid use disorder (OUD).

Percocet Overdose

One of the primary dangers of snorting or smoking Percocet is the potential for overdose. In any form, Percocet can overwhelm the system, causing medical emergency that can result in death.

Depending on the dose, underlying medical health issues, and other drugs used in conjunction with Percocet, the specific medical issues that result in death may vary. However, in most cases, overdose occurs due to a slowing of the breathing and/or heart rate until both stop completely. If medical assistance is not immediately available to stop the mechanism of the drug in the body, then death will occur.

There may be an increased danger of overdose if:

• Extended-release versions of Percocet are crushed and smoked or snorted at once.
• Other drugs that similarly depress the respiratory system are taken at the same time (e.g., sedatives, alcohol, etc.).
• The person using percocet has underlying respiratory, cardiac, or other medical disorders that may be complicated by high-dose use of Percocet.
• A period of abstinence precedes high-dose use.
• Others present are also under the influence.

Injuries Caused by Percocet Use

Percocet can dull one’s sense of pain and contribute to an openness to choices that may not be safe. For example, driving while under the influence of Percocet is dangerous due to slowed response time and lack of awareness. Similarly, one may also be less capable of taking care of dependent children or elderly family members, operating machinery, or managing personal medications for chronic illness. Inadvertently taking too much of an overwhelming substance, mishandling an object, or neglecting those who require intensive care can lead to deadly accident for the individual under the influence or others.

Percocet Addiction

Ongoing use of Percocet as the doctor ordered can lead to physical dependence. When this is coupled with psychological dependence on the drug, addiction becomes an issue – a chronic medical disorder that can increase the risk of overdose, accident, and social problems associated with drug use.

Misusing Percocet in any form—including crushing the pills and then smoking or snorting them—significantly increases the risk of developing an addiction to the drug. When a Percocet addiction occurs, this can result in:

• Financial difficulties.
• Health issues.
• Relationship problems.
• An increasingly higher tolerance for Percocet that results in high-dose use and heightened chances of overdose or accident.

Treatment for Percocet Addiction

Fortunately, addiction to Percocet is a treatable condition. Even people with severe opioid addictions can get sober and remain in recovery. Treatment for opioid addiction often involves a combination of behavioral therapies and, if needed, medication.

River Oaks Treatment Center utilizes evidence-based treatment methods across several different types of addiction treatment, including:

• Medical detox.
• Inpatient rehab.
• Partial hospitalization.
• Intensive outpatient care.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and are ready to start discussing treatment options, call us today at . There, a compassionate treatment navigator can help you get admitted to one of our rehab facilities across the United States. River Oaks, American Addiction Centers’ Tampa rehab center, may be a good fit for you. Call us today to find out more.