Though it is true that heroin-related overdoses have been trending downward in the United States since 2016; it is also true that there were a staggering 13,165 people who died from a heroin overdose in 2020.

Heroin has a long history in the US. First developed in the late 1800s as an alternative to morphine, a highly addictive painkiller, heroin was banned under the Harrison Narcotics Act only 40 years after its inception.

Those who abuse heroin report an overwhelming euphoric “rush,” or “high,” caused by the drug’s effect on the brain’s neurotransmitters. This rush coupled with the drug’s high propensity to form a physical dependency as the user’s tolerance increases, combine to make the drug a highly addictive drug. Today, heroin is classified by the DEA as a Class I controlled substance meaning it has no medicinal use and a high potential for abuse and dependence.

When portrayed in the media, heroin use is usually depicted through intravenous injection. However, heroin may be smoked, snorted, or injected. In recent years, snorting heroin has been touted as a safer alternative to injection since individuals can avoid the risk of disease, infection, and visible injection sights, but this is far from the truth.

Why Snort Heroin?

Snorting heroin, or heroin insufflation, is seen to be a safer alternative by users for a number of reasons. The first is the ease of use. Injecting heroin requires the individual to carry a syringe, needles, and something with which to burn the powder down into a liquid. Whereas in order to snort heroin, all you need is the powder something to snort it through like a rolled-up dollar or a cut straw.

Additionally, by snorting heroin the individual slows its effects. Injecting it directly into the bloodstream obviously delivers a higher dose much more quickly than absorption through the mucous membranes of the nose.

Technically, since a lower dose is delivered it is less addictive initially than intravenous injection. However, most who start with snorting heroin usually escalate with prolonged use to injection as users will inevitably build a stronger tolerance through continued use.

What are the Dangers of Snorting Heroin?

Snorting heroin may sound like a safer alternative to injecting it, but doing so carries just as many dangers as injection does. Through repeated administration of heroin via any means, a physical dependency will start to form eventually.

A physical dependence on heroin means that the individual will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms any time they allow a lapse between uses. They will also require more of the drug to feel less.

Long-term use of heroin through any means will also permanently change the structure of the brain. Studies have shown that heroin creates hormonal and neuronal imbalances. Research has also indicated that heroin may even reduce white matter in the brain. White matter is associated with the ability to make decisions, think critically, and regulate behavior.

Is it Possible to Overdose From Snorting Heroin?

As an individual’s tolerance increases and they need more of the drug to feel the same high, their risk of overdose increases many times over regardless of the means of administration. Heroin is classified as one of the most highly addictive drugs.

Not only do those who snort heroin build a tolerance to heroin, but they also build a tolerance to other opioid drugs like morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. This is called “cross-tolerance,” and this cross-tolerance between different drugs can also increase the risk of overdose by ensuring that the individual user needs more of any opioid substance in order to achieve their “high.”

Heroin and other opioids vary in strength. As an illicit street drug, heroin may be laced with other more potent and deadly opioids like fentanyl. As a result, the user’s risk of overdose increases. So in short: yes, it is still very possible to overdose on heroin by snorting it.

Also, snorting heroin carries many if not most of the same risks as injecting or “shooting.” It is important for those who suspect they may be addicted to heroin to seek treatment as soon as they realize that they have a dependency so that it does not worsen. The longer someone goes without seeking treatment, the harder it will be to weather the withdrawal symptoms and make it to the other side of recovery.

What are the Symptoms of Heroin Overdose?

If someone using heroin experiences any of the following symptoms:

• Shallow breaths
• Gasping for air
• Coma
• Blue tint to the lips and fingertips

Other symptoms may include:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Discolored tongue
• Weak pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Spasms or seizures
• Nausea or vomiting
• Very pale skin
• Inability to stay awake

Find Treatment for Heroin Addiction Today

If you or a loved one is suffering from heroin addiction, then it is vital to seek help before it is too late. The sooner you get started on the road to recovery, the easier it will be to detox off of heroin. During this process, you will need help, support, and sustained guidance throughout the process until you are well enough to return to your daily life.

If you are overwhelmed by the process of finding a reputable rehab or detox center to help you overcome your heroin addiction, reach out to one of our qualified addiction specialists today.