Effects & Dangers of Snorting Hydrocodone

Prescription opioids, like hydrocodone, can be effective in relieving pain. However, after taking the same dose for a while, you may notice the effects diminish because your body develops a tolerance to the drug. When this happens, users may be tempted to misuse hydrocodone, such as crushing it and snorting it.

There are risks of snorting hydrocodone and many other drugs, including dependence, addiction, and other negative health effects. When you try to stop using opioids, like Hydrocodone you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Seeking treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab near you can help you develop a personalized treatment plan and acquire the necessary tools for long-term recovery success.

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic prescription opioid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat chronic pain and non-productive coughs. Due to its addictive qualities and potential for misuse and physical and psychological dependence, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies it as a Schedule II drug.1

Trade names for hydrocodone include:1

• Vicodin®
• Hycodan®
• OxyContin®
• Percocet®
• Vicoprofen®

Hydrocodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. The effect slows down breathing rates and induces relaxation within users that triggers the ‘reward system’ found within the brain, contributing to the high risk of addiction found for hydrocodone.1

Hydrocodone can be prescribed in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations and is most commonly taken as oral tablets. Extended-release formulations are designed to relieve moderate to severe pain over a prolonged period. This extended relief works because the medication goes through the body on a much slower scale.2

Can You Snort Hydrocodone?

Although snorting hydrocodone is a popular method when abusing the drug, it is not meant to be used this way. The pills are formulated for oral consumption and slow digestion.3

Snorting hydrocodone causes users to crave and take another dose soon after the first, contributing to many hydrocodone risks, including addiction, overdose, and death.3 Additionally, snorting the drug can cause nasal passage injuries, such as perforated septa and fungal and bacterial infections.3

What happens if you snort hydrocodone?

Drugs like hydrocodone are created to be released gradually into the body. Once consumed, they first enter the digestive system and bind to active opioid receptors in the brain that block pain signals. Next, a large amount of dopamine is released into the body.1,2

When the drug is snorted, the process quickly takes effect in just a few minutes. Hydrocodone is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the throat, nose, and roof of the mouth. Here, it enters the bloodstream and is carried quickly to the brain.3 The effects can be felt much faster than typical methods of use.

Effects of Snorting Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is not formulated to be snorted due to the adverse effects you may experience as a result. Snorting an opioid drug can cause severe nasal, throat, and lung problems that may not go away when you stop using the drug. Someone may experience a burning sensation in the nose, facial pain/pressure, congestion, runny discharge, throat pain, and other symptoms when snorting hydrocodone.3.6

Damage to the Nose

If someone snorts hydrocodone, they are at risk of long- and short-term damage to the nose. The tissue that lines our nasal passages becomes thinner and more delicate. Snorting drugs for a long time will eventually erode the nasal tissue. This thinning of the nasal passages can result in a hole in the nasal septum or in the roof of the mouth. This hole can cause difficulty breathing and swallowing as well as difficulty sleeping.5,6,7

Nasal Necrosis

Nasal necrosis refers to the death of cells and tissues in the nasal passage. This can be a result of inhaling opioids and other drugs or toxins. Symptoms of nasal necrosis may include:6

• Severe nasal pain
• Nasal congestion
• Loss of smell
• Excess fluid drainage
• Throat discomfort
• Painful swallowing
• Facial pain
• Septal perforation

Throat and Lung Damage

In addition to nasal damage, snorting hydrocodone can cause damage to the throat and lungs as well. Snorting crushed tablets can irritate and injure the throat and voice box. Case reports describe postnasal drip, severe throat pain (painful swallowing), and hoarseness or voice changes.5,6 In some patients, doctors actually saw sores/ulcers on the back of the throat and even lesions just below the vocal cords.5 

Snorting hydrocodone has also been linked to a serious lung reaction called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, low oxygen, wheezing, and dry cough, and in severe cases, acute respiratory failure. People improved with steroids and supportive care, but ongoing exposure raises the risk of long-term scarring.7

Increased Risk of Infections

If you misuse hydrocodone by snorting it, you are likely crushing the drug on various objects and surfaces. These surfaces could be contaminated with irritants, toxins, and microorganisms. If these enter the body, they can increase the risk of causing damage to the nasal tissue, respiratory system, or throat.

Drug paraphernalia used for hydrocodone abuse, such as straws for snorting, may be one source of infection. It has been a factor considered in the transmission of the Hepatitis C virus.8 This implies that hydrocodone users are at risk of getting a disease from the different microorganisms encountered. Additionally, chronic invasive fungal sinusitis (CIFS) has also been associated with intranasal drug users. In these cases, tissue necrosis and ulceration from intranasal use appear to increase the risk of invasive fungal sinusitis.9

Signs that Someone Is Abusing Hydrocodone

If you’re worried about a loved one abusing hydrocodone, there are some common signs to look out for:10

• Taking more than prescribed
• Using other methods, like smoking or injecting
• Taking someone else’s prescription
• Attempting to fill the prescription early often
• Drug-seeking behaviors
• Legal or social consequences due to drug use
• Doctor shopping to get multiple prescriptions
• Cravings for opioids
• Withdrawal symptoms when going without the drug

Side Effects of Hydrocodone Use

The side effects after taking hydrocodone may be experienced by someone who has been prescribed the drug or someone abusing it. However, those abusing the drug are likely to feel the hydrocodone effects on a much more intense level. Some side effects include:2

• Nausea 
• Constipation
• Headache
• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Ringing in the ears
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased sweating

• Changes in heartrate
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Difficult, frequent, or painful urination

Another risk of misusing hydrocodone is overdose, which can be fatal.

Hydrocodone Overdose Symptoms

If someone is snorting hydrocodone, they are likely consuming large doses of the drug, which increases the risk of experiencing a hydrocodone overdose.

Signs of an overdose include:2

• Difficulty breathing
• Cold or clammy skin
• Slow or no heartbeat
• Unconsciousness
• Pinpoint pupils
• Loss of coordination

If you believe you or someone else is experiencing an opioid overdose, it is essential to seek professional medical help immediately. If you have naloxone on hand, use it and call 911 to get professional help. It is recommended that you have Narcan, or naloxone, access at all times if you or someone you know misuses hydrocodone. Narcan is an opioid-reversing medication that can save the life of someone overdosing.

Hydrocodone Addiction

Misusing hydrocodone can lead to physical and psychological dependence on the drug. Some people may only be dependent, while others may go on to develop an addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) lists eleven criteria for someone to be diagnosed with a hydrocodone addiction. The criteria for opioid addiction includes:10

• Using more of the drug and for more extended periods than intended
• Craving the drug
• Being unable to stop using despite efforts
• Continuing to use the drug despite social and interpersonal problems
• Continuing to use, knowing it will worsen physical or mental health
• Avoiding important social activities to use the drug
• Being unable to fulfill responsibilities at work or school
• Spending most of the time seeking, using, or recovering from the drug
• Continuing to use the drug even though it poses risks and dangers
• Developing a tolerance to the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when going without the drug

Meeting one to two criteria represents a mild addiction. Meeting three to five represents a moderate addiction, and over six represents a severe addiction.

Hydrocodone Withdrawal and Detox

Withdrawing from hydrocodone can occur within hours of your last use, and the symptoms can be painful, which is one reason it is so difficult to overcome an addiction to hydrocodone. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:11

• Runny nose or drainage
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Light sensitivity
• Insomnia
• Rapid breathing
• Abnormally fast heartbeat
• Excessive sweating

Quitting hydrocodone cold turkey can lead to adverse reactions that can be dangerous and highly uncomfortable. Various drug and alcohol detox programs can assist you in the withdrawal and recovery process. With medical supervision and experienced care, you can safely detox from hydrocodone and avoid the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that lead many people to relapse.

Getting Help for Hydrocodone Abuse and Addiction

Overcoming hydrocodone abuse and addiction doesn’t end after detox. Long-term recovery typically involves other forms of treatment, often given simultaneously.

Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment by a licensed treatment professional. You will then be given an individualized treatment plan by your treatment team, which includes doctors and therapists, tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Effective addiction treatment programs for hydrocodone use disorders include inpatient rehab, partial-hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, or standard outpatient rehab. No matter your level of care, treatment programs like Empowered Recovery Center typically utilize various addiction treatment methods like individual counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), holistic therapies, peer support groups, family therapy, and more.

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment at Empowered Recovery

Addiction treatment at our Atlanta addiction rehab is run on a holistic level, offering a compassionate solution that treats the whole person.

We understand that drug addiction differs for everyone and recognize this by offering evidence-based treatment options delivered by our top-tier medical experts. Some addiction rehab programs offered at Empowered Recovery Center include:

• Standard Outpatient Rehab
• Intensive Outpatient Programs
• Virtual IOP
• Partial Hospitalization Programs
• Aftercare and Alumni Programs

To learn more about our programs, getting admitted to rehab, payment options, and our accepted insurances, give us a call or fill out our secure contact form. Our admissions team can help answer any questions you have, verify your insurance benefits, and get you started on the path to recovery. Call us today to learn more.

References

1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2025). Hydrocodone. Retrieved on September 8, 2025, from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/hydrocodone.pdf.
2. Cofano S, Patel P, & Yellon R. (2024). Hydrocodone. Retrieved on September 8, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537288/.
3. Guenther, S. M., Mickle, T. C., Barrett, A. C., Roupe, K. A., Zhou, J., & Lam, V. (2018). Relative Bioavailability, Intranasal Abuse Potential, and Safety of Benzhydrocodone/Acetaminophen Compared with Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Acetaminophen in Recreational Drug Abusers. Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.), 19(5), 955–966. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnx195. Retrieved on September 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5946936/#abstract1.
4. Cornell University. (n.d.). Inhalation. Retrieved on September 8, 2025, from https://ehs.cornell.edu/research-safety/chemical-safety/laboratory-safety-manual/chapter-7-safe-chemical-use/74-routes-0.
5. Lin, Y., Lu, J. Y., Pinheiro-Neto, C. D., Jones, D. M., & Gildener-Leapman, N. (2019). Intranasal Acetaminophen Abuse and Nasal, Pharyngeal, and Laryngotracheal Damage. Cureus, 11(8), e5432. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.5432. Retrieved on September 8, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6710488/.
6. Urichuk, M., Azzi, J.L., Gigliotta, D., & Gall, R.M. (2025). Intranasal acetaminophen induced nasal tissue necrosis and septal perforation: A case report and literature review. Otolaryngology Case Reports, 34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xocr.2024.100640. Retrieved on September 8, 2025, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246854882400064X.
7. Pathak, L. K., & Vijayaraghavan, V. (2016). Hydrocodone snorting leading to hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 29(3), 288–289. https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2016.11929438. Retrieved on September 8, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4900771/.
8. Fernandez, N. (2016). Sharing snorting utensils for drug use may increase HCV transmission. Healio Infectious Disease News. Retrieved on September 8, 2025, from https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20160808/sharing-snorting-utensils-for-drug-use-may-increase-hcv-transmission.
9. Pekala, K. R., Clavenna, M. J., Shockley, R., Weiss, V. L., & Turner, J. H. (2015). Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis associated with intranasal drug use. The Laryngoscope, 125(12), 2656–2659. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.25429. Retrieved on September 8, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4725714/.
10. Dydyk AM, Jain NK, & Gupta M. (2024). Opioid use disorder: Evaluation and management. Retrieved on September 8, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/.
11. Shah M, & Huecker MR. (2023). Opioid Withdrawal. Retrieved on September 8, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/.