Millions of people take prescription medications to manage medical and mental health conditions. Some of these prescription drugs, including opioids, have the potential for abuse and addiction.

Percocet is a prescription opioid drug people use to manage pain. It is a highly addictive drug. People may abuse it by taking higher doses of taking it differently than prescribed, which can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

This article will explore the dangers of snorting Percocet. You will learn:

  • The risks associated with snorting Percocet
  • The effects and risks of Percocet abuse
  • How to recognize and treat Percocet addiction
  • Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery programs

If you or someone you love abuses Percocet or other drugs, you are not alone. Compassionate, effective treatment is available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Learn about the health problems associated with opioid abuse, explore your treatment options, or make an intake appointment by contacting the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists now.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is a potent prescription painkiller with the potential for abuse and addiction. This drug contains an opioid called oxycodone and acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Percocet as a Schedule II drug. This classification means that Percocet has a medical purpose but has a high risk for misuse and addiction.

Doctors may prescribe Percocet to help patients manage pain after surgery. People may also take it during treatment of a medical condition or for chronic pain. Doctors often prescribe Percocet and other pain-relief opioids for short-term use. This can reduce the risk of abuse and physical dependence. However, people can develop signs of physical dependence when taking it as prescribed.

Can You Snort Percocet? Understanding the Dangers of Snorting Percocet

All Percocet abuse is dangerous. Oxycodone, one of the active ingredients in Percocet, is an opioid. It slows central nervous system (CNS) activity. Snorting oxycodone allows more of the opioid to enter the bloodstream at the same time. This puts people at risk of an oxycodone overdose.

Snorting Percocet enhances the effects of the drug. In addition to increasing the risk of a Percocet overdose, it can also cause other complications, including:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Mental status changes
  • Dangerous blood pressure changes
  • Constipation
  • Severe headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Fever
  • Sleep apnea
  • Itchy skin
  • Nausea and vomiting

People may engage in risky behaviors while abusing Percocet. People may drive intoxicated or do illegal things to get more of the drug. People may injure themselves or others while taking the drug or take other substances that increase the risk of overdose.

Finally, snorting Percocet can lead to severe damage to the nasal passages and sinuses. People may develop:

  • Bronchial asthma
  • Structural damage in the sinuses and facial structure
  • Pneumonia
  • Long-term lung infections
  • Chronic sinus infections

Snorting Percocet can also lead to infection or diseases if people use dirty instruments to ingest it.

Snorting Percocet is dangerous because it can lead to more severe side effects and overdose. It also increases the risk of addiction. If you or someone you love snorts Percocet, seek treatment as quickly as possible.

Understanding Percocet Abuse and Addiction

People who take Percocet may experience pleasurable side effects that may lead to misuse. They may feel euphoric, relaxed, and free from pain.

Examples of Percocet misuse include:

  • Taking larger doses of Percocet
  • Taking Percocet more often than prescribed
  • Ingesting Percocet differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting it
  • Taking Percocet for longer than your doctor prescribed
  • Using Percocet recreationally (without a prescription)

People who misuse Percocet may develop tolerance, meaning they need to take larger doses to get the desired effects. Over time, heavy Percocet abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

Recognizing Percocet abuse and addiction is the first step toward getting help. Signs of Percocet abuse include:

  • Using more Percocet than prescribed
  • Running out of your prescription early
  • Doing dangerous or illegal things to get money or Percocet
  • Using Percocet recreationally (without a prescription)
  • Inventing symptoms to get a doctor to give you more Percocet
  • Having legal or financial trouble because of Percocet abuse
  • “Doctor shopping” (having more than one prescription for Percocet from multiple doctors)
  • New or worsening mental health symptoms
  • Neglecting your responsibilities, hobbies, and relationships because of Percocet abuse

Opioid abuse changes how the body and brain function. These changes make it very difficult for people to stop taking them. People who become addicted to Percocet or other opioids require comprehensive addiction treatment and support to stop using these drugs and avoid relapse.

Treating Percocet Addiction

Opioid addiction treatment programs include therapies to address the physical, behavioral, and emotional aspects of addiction. Treatment plans may include:

  • Medically-supported detox programs to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Mental health care
  • Medical treatment and medications
  • Nutrition support, mindfulness, exercise, and other holistic therapies
  • Aftercare planning and support

People may attend inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. After completing rehab, it is essential to stay active in recovery by following an aftercare program.

Find Treatment Now

Substance abuse and addiction can affect every aspect of your life. Opioid addiction is life-threatening. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of a problem.

Find the support and treatment you need to overcome addiction at Archstone Behavioral Health. Learn about our treatment center or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our intake team now.

References:

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Hydrocodone snorting leading to hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  3. NIH: Pharmacokinetics of intranasal Crushed OxyContin and Intravenous Oxycodone in Nondependent Prescription Opioid Abusers

Millions of people take prescription medications to manage medical and mental health conditions. Some of these prescription drugs, including opioids, have the potential for abuse and addiction.

Percocet is a prescription opioid drug people use to manage pain. It is a highly addictive drug. People may abuse it by taking higher doses of taking it differently than prescribed, which can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

This article will explore the dangers of snorting Percocet. You will learn:

  • The risks associated with snorting Percocet
  • The effects and risks of Percocet abuse
  • How to recognize and treat Percocet addiction
  • Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery programs

If you or someone you love abuses Percocet or other drugs, you are not alone. Compassionate, effective treatment is available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Learn about the health problems associated with opioid abuse, explore your treatment options, or make an intake appointment by contacting the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists now.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is a potent prescription painkiller with the potential for abuse and addiction. This drug contains an opioid called oxycodone and acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Percocet as a Schedule II drug. This classification means that Percocet has a medical purpose but has a high risk for misuse and addiction.

Doctors may prescribe Percocet to help patients manage pain after surgery. People may also take it during treatment of a medical condition or for chronic pain. Doctors often prescribe Percocet and other pain-relief opioids for short-term use. This can reduce the risk of abuse and physical dependence. However, people can develop signs of physical dependence when taking it as prescribed.

Can You Snort Percocet? Understanding the Dangers of Snorting Percocet

All Percocet abuse is dangerous. Oxycodone, one of the active ingredients in Percocet, is an opioid. It slows central nervous system (CNS) activity. Snorting oxycodone allows more of the opioid to enter the bloodstream at the same time. This puts people at risk of an oxycodone overdose.

Snorting Percocet enhances the effects of the drug. In addition to increasing the risk of a Percocet overdose, it can also cause other complications, including:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Mental status changes
  • Dangerous blood pressure changes
  • Constipation
  • Severe headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Fever
  • Sleep apnea
  • Itchy skin
  • Nausea and vomiting

People may engage in risky behaviors while abusing Percocet. People may drive intoxicated or do illegal things to get more of the drug. People may injure themselves or others while taking the drug or take other substances that increase the risk of overdose.

Finally, snorting Percocet can lead to severe damage to the nasal passages and sinuses. People may develop:

  • Bronchial asthma
  • Structural damage in the sinuses and facial structure
  • Pneumonia
  • Long-term lung infections
  • Chronic sinus infections

Snorting Percocet can also lead to infection or diseases if people use dirty instruments to ingest it.

Snorting Percocet is dangerous because it can lead to more severe side effects and overdose. It also increases the risk of addiction. If you or someone you love snorts Percocet, seek treatment as quickly as possible.

Understanding Percocet Abuse and Addiction

People who take Percocet may experience pleasurable side effects that may lead to misuse. They may feel euphoric, relaxed, and free from pain.

Examples of Percocet misuse include:

  • Taking larger doses of Percocet
  • Taking Percocet more often than prescribed
  • Ingesting Percocet differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting it
  • Taking Percocet for longer than your doctor prescribed
  • Using Percocet recreationally (without a prescription)

People who misuse Percocet may develop tolerance, meaning they need to take larger doses to get the desired effects. Over time, heavy Percocet abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

Recognizing Percocet abuse and addiction is the first step toward getting help. Signs of Percocet abuse include:

  • Using more Percocet than prescribed
  • Running out of your prescription early
  • Doing dangerous or illegal things to get money or Percocet
  • Using Percocet recreationally (without a prescription)
  • Inventing symptoms to get a doctor to give you more Percocet
  • Having legal or financial trouble because of Percocet abuse
  • “Doctor shopping” (having more than one prescription for Percocet from multiple doctors)
  • New or worsening mental health symptoms
  • Neglecting your responsibilities, hobbies, and relationships because of Percocet abuse

Opioid abuse changes how the body and brain function. These changes make it very difficult for people to stop taking them. People who become addicted to Percocet or other opioids require comprehensive addiction treatment and support to stop using these drugs and avoid relapse.

Treating Percocet Addiction

Opioid addiction treatment programs include therapies to address the physical, behavioral, and emotional aspects of addiction. Treatment plans may include:

  • Medically-supported detox programs to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Mental health care
  • Medical treatment and medications
  • Nutrition support, mindfulness, exercise, and other holistic therapies
  • Aftercare planning and support

People may attend inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. After completing rehab, it is essential to stay active in recovery by following an aftercare program.

Find Treatment Now

Substance abuse and addiction can affect every aspect of your life. Opioid addiction is life-threatening. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of a problem.

Find the support and treatment you need to overcome addiction at Archstone Behavioral Health. Learn about our treatment center or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our intake team now.

References:

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Hydrocodone snorting leading to hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  3. NIH: Pharmacokinetics of intranasal Crushed OxyContin and Intravenous Oxycodone in Nondependent Prescription Opioid Abusers

Medically Reviewed: February 4, 2025

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.