What happens to the body when an individual snorts OxyContin? What are the risks of snorting the drug?
OxyContin is a medication which is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Its main active ingredient is the narcotic oxycodone. It also has a variety of inactive ingredients, some of which could be titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, butylated hydroxytoluene, polyethylene oxide and coloring agents. So when an individual snorts OxyContin, they are getting not just the active ingredient but also the inactive ingredients.
Effects of Snorting OxyContin on the Body
The drug affects the central nervous system. The oxycodone in the drug alters the body’s perception of pain and causes feelings of euphoria, by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors. Even when OxyContin is taken only as prescribed, it can cause dizziness, lightheadedness and change of mood. When OxyContin is snorted, these effects are amplified.
The adverse side effects of snorting OxyContin include:
- Seizures
- Abnormal heart rates
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fainting
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
The Dangers of Snorting OxyContin
There are many dangers when an individual snorts OxyContin, the most serious of which is potential overdosing and death. Other dangers abound. For example, there is the very real danger of the individual becoming addicted to the medication. There is also the increased risk of accidents due to the individual’s abilities being impaired and slower reaction time. Added to that, the crushed OxyContin that is snorted may harm nasal passages.
Snorting to Get High
Snorting OxyContin releases large amounts of the drug into the bloodstream instantly through the nose and nasal tissues. This means that the oxycodone in the drug is absorbed in higher amounts than normal, and could lead to the individual stop breathing abruptly.
Safely Snorting OxyContin
There is no safe way to snort OxyContin. The FDA has warned of possible overdose if individual take single doses higher than 40 mg or daily doses of 80 mg. In fact, the FDA has required drug manufacturers to reformulate OxyContin, so that crushing the drug doesn’t provide the full dose.
Snorting vs Oral
OxyContin can be taken orally, nasally and even intravenously. No matter how it is taken, OxyContin will show up on drug tests. However, taking the drug orally is much safer since the dose is more controlled. Snorting OxyContin causes a quicker onset of effects, causing almost immediate pain relief and euphoric effects, but this quick fix can also poison the individual.
Do you still have questions about snorting OxyContin? If so, call The Villa. We can offer a balanced view on drug use and support your goals of recovery.