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Snorting Percocet: Dangers, Risks, and Treatment Options

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 11 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 11 minutes

Snorting Percocet may seem like a shortcut to pain relief, but it carries grave health risks and can rapidly lead to addiction and overdose.

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Percocet is a commonly prescribed drug that’s used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Percocet can be effective when used as directed.

However, misusing it, especially by snorting, can cause serious health risks. This includes opioid addiction and even overdose.

The opioid crisis in the United States is getting worse. More than 59 million people misuse illegal and prescription drugs. This has caused over 112,000 deaths from opioid overdoses.

Some people inhale Percocet to feel its euphoric effects more strongly. However, this can lead to serious problems. These problems include respiratory failure, overdose, and long-term dependency.

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Composition, Uses, & Risks

What is Percocet?

Percocet is a prescription painkiller that’s often used to manage moderate to severe pain. It contains two main ingredients: oxycodone, which is an opioid, and acetaminophen, which is a non-opioid pain reliever. Doctors usually prescribe it for injuries, recovery from surgery, or chronic pain from back problems or gallstones.

Here’s how each ingredient works:

  • Oxycodone: This opioid drug binds to specific receptors in your brain and spinal cord (CNS-central nervous system). It blocks pain signals and creates a feeling of euphoria, which can lead to mood shifts and, over time, dependence. The downside? Opioids like oxycodone carry a significant risk of misuse, addiction, and even respiratory issues in some cases.
  • Acetaminophen: This is the same ingredient found in over-the-counter medications like Tylenol. It helps reduce fever and adds extra pain relief.

Acetaminophen is not addictive by itself. However, taking too much can hurt your liver. This is especially true if you drink alcohol or take more than the recommended dose.

It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Percocet. Using it in any way is a form of prescription drug abuse and can be risky. For example:

  • Taking someone else’s prescription.
  • Using it to get high.
  • Crushing or snorting it.
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Rapid Onset, Increased Risks, & Potential Organ Damage

What Does Snorting Percocet Do?

When you snort Percocet, you skip the normal digestion process. Your stomach does not absorb the drug slowly. Instead, the nasal membranes quickly absorb it. This sends it directly into your bloodstream.

It means the effects hit faster and stronger. Oxycodone reaches your brain much quicker, giving you that intense rush.

How Does It Affect the Body?

When you snort Percocet, the oxycodone in it quickly binds to the brain’s opioid receptors. It creates intense feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. It might feel great at first, but there’s a serious downside.

The sudden rush of the drug can trigger dangerous side effects. One of the most concerning issues is respiratory depression. This means your breathing slows down.

It can be life-threatening, especially if you take too much. So, while it might seem like a quick way to feel better, the risks can be fatal.

What Are the Short-Term Effects?

When you snort Percocet, you’re putting yourself at serious risk for an overdose. It can quickly spiral into life-threatening situations like a coma or, even worse, death. How badly it affects you depends on how much you take and how your body reacts to the opioid.

The immediate effects of the drug can hit fast. Some of the short-term effects you might experience include:

  • Slurred speech.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Respiratory depression.
  • Mood swings.
  • Constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Increased risk of overdose.
  • Runny nose.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Nosebleeds.
  • Potential for coma and death.
  • Slowed heart rate.

What Are the Long-Term Effects?

Prolonged snorting of the substance can seriously harm the delicate tissues in your nasal passages. With nasal passage damage, you might start noticing frequent nosebleeds, infections, and even sinus problems. If you snort from dirty surfaces or use unclean tools, you risk getting bacterial infections.

Snorting often harms more than just your nose. It can also hurt your lungs, causing irritation and trouble breathing. Here’s also what you need to keep in mind:

  • Kidney and liver damage: The combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen strains these vital organs, leading to possible irreversible damage.
  • Brain dysfunction: Cognitive problems, mood swings, and emotional instability can arise.
  • Muscle weakness and lethargy: You might feel physically drained and unable to move like you used to.
  • Mental health issues: Hallucinations and other disturbances can occur as your brain functions begin to degrade.
  • Respiratory distress: Difficulty breathing or diminished lung function can leave you gasping for air.

The liver and kidneys take on a lot of work when it comes to processing oxycodone and acetaminophen. This constant workload can severely wear these organs down over time, leading to potential long-term issues. On top of that, the effects on your brain can disrupt your memory, decision-making skills, and emotional balance. This can heighten the risk of addiction and exacerbate mental health struggles. 

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Increases Overdose Risk & Potential for Addiction

Can You Snort Percocet?

Although snorting Percocet is possible, this usage method is highly risky and regarded as a type of abuse. Snorting Percocet makes the drug work faster. It skips the digestive system and lets oxycodone enter the bloodstream more quickly.

This quick absorption can create strong feelings of euphoria. However, it also greatly increases the risk of overdose, opioid addiction, and many serious health problems.

Is It More Dangerous Than Taking It Orally?

Yes, without a doubt. Snorting Percocet is far riskier than taking it as prescribed.

When you take the drug by mouth, your body absorbs it more slowly. This gives your body time to process it and reduces the risk of overdose. Snorting ramps up that process, putting much pressure on your system.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Abusing oxycodone means using it in any way other than how it’s prescribed.
  • Chewing or dissolving extended-release tablets still counts as misuse, even if you’re swallowing them.
  • Taking more than prescribed—even without tampering with the tablets—is also considered misuse.
  • You can still overdose if you take your prescribed dose of oxycodone with other substances. This includes alcohol or benzodiazepines, which can slow your breathing.

What Are the Dangers of Snorting Percocet?

Using Percocet by snorting it is very risky and can be more harmful than people might think. Some of these risks could even be deadly.

Can It Lead to Addiction?

Absolutely, Percocet can become addictive, especially when it’s misused or taken for extended periods. The main problem here is oxycodone.

It is a strong prescription opioid that affects the brain’s reward system. This makes it very addictive. Your body may build a tolerance over time. This means you will need to use more to feel the same effects.

Here’s a closer look at how addiction can develop with Percocet:

  • Tolerance: With repeated use, your body starts to get used to the drug. As a result, you might need to take larger amounts to feel the same pain relief or high. This makes it easier to fall into a dangerous cycle and increases the chance of an oxycodone overdose.
  • Physical Dependence: If you use Percocet regularly, your body can become physically dependent. That means your body relies on it to function.

If you suddenly stop or reduce your use, you may feel withdrawal symptoms. These can include anxiety, muscle pain, sweating, and nausea. In some cases, the withdrawal can be more severe.

Can It Cause An Overdose?

If someone begins to snort Percocet regularly, they’re putting themselves in real danger of an overdose. The risk mainly depends on how much they have taken and how their body reacts. This is especially true if they have built up a tolerance.

Taking excessive amounts of Percocet can put a strain on the body’s systems, and the signs of an overdose can be quite scary. Here are some warning overdose symptoms to keep an eye on:

  • Cold and clammy skin.
  • Significantly slowed heart rate.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Coma.
  • Small, non-reactive pupils.
  • Profound respiratory depression.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Death.

If you’re concerned about liver damage from taking too much acetaminophen, here are some signs to watch for:

  • Confusion.
  • Severe pain in the right upper abdomen.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
  • Weakness.
  • Sweating.
  • Vomiting.
  • Nausea.

If you think you or another individual has taken too much Percocet, get urgent medical assistance by dialing 911. Timeliness is crucial since both opioid overdoses and acetaminophen toxicity can result in deadly consequences if not addressed quickly.

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Drug Testing & Vital Signs Monitoring

How Can Percocet Be Detected?

Detecting Percocet abuse typically involves drug testing. This can show if there’s oxycodone (the opioid part of Percocet) or acetaminophen in their body. Some common ways to test for drugs are:

  • Urine tests: Can detect recent opioid use, including oxycodone.
  • Blood tests: Provide more immediate and precise detection of substances in the system.
  • Hair tests: They can identify drug use over a longer time. However, they are not often used to detect recent use.

In cases of suspected overdose, healthcare professionals may also monitor vital signs, such as:

  • Breathing rate (to detect respiratory depression, a common effect of opioid overdose).
  • Heart rate (to assess potential heart-related complications).
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What Are the Treatment Options for Percocet Addiction?

Treating addiction to Percocet requires a multifaceted approach, which may include detoxification, therapy, and support groups.

Is Detox Necessary for Percocet Addiction Treatment?

Detox is usually the first step in treating a Percocet addiction. When you go through detox, your body gets a chance to clear itself of the drug.

One clear sign of addiction is withdrawal. These are the strong symptoms that occur when the drug is not available. They also happen when you try to stop using the drug.

Common Percocet withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Sweating.
  • Muscle aches and cramps.
  • Restlessness.
  • Joint aches.
  • Watery eyes and nose.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Insomnia.

What Therapies Are Used for Percocet Addiction Treatment?

After detox, it’s time to focus on the psychological side of chemical dependency. That’s where therapy comes in. Several effective therapies can help you work through the underlying issues that fuel addiction.

Some of the most common include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – This helps you see and change the negative thoughts that keep you trapped in substance abuse.
  • Contingency Management – This method uses rewards to encourage good behaviors, like staying sober. It supports progress at every step.
  • Group Therapy – Group therapy is a great chance to share what you’ve been through and gain insights from others facing similar hurdles. The support here is invaluable.

These therapies help you discover the reasons for your addiction. They also teach you healthier ways to deal with stress and life’s challenges.

Are There Any Support Groups for Percocet Addiction Recovery?

Sometimes, the only thing needed to keep dedicated to your road is realizing you are not alone. Being part of a community like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can make a world of difference. These groups give you a space to open up, share your challenges, and celebrate your victories.

Connecting with others who understand exactly what you’re going through can keep you grounded and motivated. Sometimes, knowing you’re not alone is all it takes to stay committed to your path. Peer support isn’t just helpful—it can be essential for long-term sobriety.

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Percocet Addiction Treatment at Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Ready to start your recovery journey? Rolling Hills Recovery Center can help you or someone you value overcome Percocet addiction. You can live without opioids. Contact us today.

We know that addiction and recovery are personal issues. That’s why we create a treatment plan just for you. We use a complete and careful approach.

We rely on proven methods and the latest research. This way, you receive the best care possible.

We offer several treatment options. These include a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, and general outpatient drug rehab. This gives you the flexibility to choose the support that fits your needs.

No matter which path you take, our treatment center will be with you. We offer support, comfort, and care to help you recover faster.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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