Do People Snort Heroin? Effects, Dangers & Treatment

Key Takeaways

• Many users snort heroin due to misconceptions about its safety and lower stigma compared to injection.
• Comprehensive treatment strategies for heroin addiction include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and support systems.
• Detoxification is the first step in recovery, but long-term treatment is necessary to address the underlying causes of addiction.
• Prevention strategies involve improving opioid prescribing practices, preventing misuse, and promoting evidence-based treatments.

Why Do People Snort Heroin?

Many individuals opt to snort heroin due to a combination of misconceptions and perceived benefits over other methods of consumption.

Snorting vs. Injecting

One common belief is that snorting heroin is safer than injecting or smoking it, as it is often associated with a lower risk of transmitting infections through needles. Some users may also perceive snorting as a method that carries less social stigma compared to injection.

Research indicates that the transition from snorting to injecting heroin is a significant risk, as snorting can lead to increased tolerance and subsequent escalation to more dangerous methods of use.

Addiction Risk

Another reason for choosing to snort heroin is the false belief that it is less likely to lead to addiction. This dangerous assumption ignores the highly addictive nature of heroin, regardless of how it is ingested.

‘Purer’ Forms of Heroin

The misconception that pure heroin, which is often snorted, is safer than less pure forms is also a contributing factor. This belief overlooks the potential for overdose and the presence of lethal additives such as fentanyl in the drug supply.

Heroin Use Increase

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has highlighted the increasing numbers of individuals starting to use heroin, with some shifting from prescription pain relievers to heroin as a cheaper and more accessible alternative, potentially contributing to the choice of snorting.

Physical Consequences of Snorting Heroin

Nasal Damage

When heroin is snorted, it can cause immediate damage to the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. Over time, this can lead to chronic irritation, bleeding, and, in severe cases, a perforated septum. The particles from the drug can also become lodged in the nasal tissues, causing infections and potentially leading to the loss of nasal structure and function.

Lung Damage

Furthermore, snorting heroin has been linked to lung complications. The drug may enter the lungs and cause respiratory issues such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other infections. The risk of these conditions is heightened due to the compromised immune system often seen in individuals with substance use disorders.

Tolerance and Dependence

Additionally, research indicates that snorting drugs can lead to a faster impact, which may contribute to the rapid development of tolerance and physical dependence, escalating the cycle of misuse and increasing the risk of overdose.

Psychological Consequences of Snorting Heroin

Despite the initial feelings of pleasure, heroin use is associated with long-term changes in the brain’s structure and function. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reveals that repeated use can deteriorate the brain’s white matter, impairing decision-making, behavior regulation, and response to stress. These alterations contribute to the development of a heroin use disorder characterized by uncontrollable drug-seeking behavior, regardless of harmful consequences.

Furthermore, snorting heroin can lead to a transition to more dangerous methods of consumption, such as injection, heightening the risk of addiction and other psychological disorders. The belief that snorting heroin reduces the risk of addiction is a dangerous misconception, as addiction can occur regardless of the method of ingestion. Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are commonly found alongside heroin use, exacerbating the psychological impact and complicating treatment efforts.

Comprehensive Treatment Strategies for Heroin Abuse Recovery

Addressing heroin misuse requires a multifaceted approach, combining medical interventions, psychological support, and lifestyle modifications.

Heroin Detoxification and Withdrawal Management

Heroin detoxification is the initial phase of recovery from heroin addiction, characterized by the onset of withdrawal symptoms, which can begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose. The process of detox is aimed at safely removing heroin from the body and managing the acute physical and psychological symptoms that accompany withdrawal. These symptoms can range from mild, such as muscle aches and anxiety, to severe, including changes in blood pressure and heart rate. The timeline and intensity of withdrawal symptoms vary based on factors such as duration of use, amount consumed, and method of administration.

Withdrawal management is a critical component of the detox process, often involving a combination of medical supervision, behavioral therapy, and, in some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medications such as methadone and buprenorphine may be used to alleviate pain and withdrawal symptoms without inducing the high associated with heroin use. Professional support systems and treatment plans are crucial for a more comfortable and safe detoxification process, as they significantly reduce the risk of relapse.

Therapeutic Interventions for Heroin Addiction

Therapeutic interventions for heroin addiction are critical components of a comprehensive treatment plan, addressing both the psychological and behavioral aspects of substance use disorders (SUDs).

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely recognized evidence-based psychotherapies for SUDs, including heroin misuse. CBT’s goal-oriented approach helps individuals identify and change destructive thought patterns and behaviors related to drug use and develop coping strategies to manage triggers and prevent relapse.
• Another effective intervention is contingency management (CM), which utilizes a system of incentives to reinforce abstinence and other positive behaviors. Research has shown that CM can be particularly effective for treating opioid use disorders, including heroin addiction, with moderate effect sizes observed across various studies.
• Family and couples therapy can also play a significant role in the recovery process, as these interventions involve the patient’s social environment, providing psychoeducation and mutual support to encourage drug-free lifestyles. Family-based approaches often include strategies such as withdrawal of relationship contact contingent on drug use and reinforcement of drug-free behaviors.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Heroin Addiction

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a critical component in the management and recovery process for individuals struggling with heroin addiction. MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications, such as methadone and buprenorphine, to reduce withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings, and decrease the potential for misuse. Recent guidelines issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services have emphasized the importance of these medications in treating opioid use disorders (OUD).

• Methadone, a long-standing treatment option, is a full opioid agonist that works by occupying the brain’s opioid receptors without producing the high associated with heroin use.
• Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, also binds to these receptors but activates them less intensely.

Both medications are integral to managing withdrawal symptoms and facilitating a more stable recovery journey.

Strategies for Preventing Heroin Abuse and Addiction

Preventing heroin misuse and addiction is a multifaceted challenge that requires a combination of public health strategies, policy changes, and community efforts.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Biden-Harris Administration have taken significant steps to address this issue through a broad Overdose Prevention Strategy that aims to expand access to substance use disorder treatment and save lives.

Key strategies for preventing heroin misuse include improving opioid prescribing practices to reduce exposure, preventing illegal opioid use and misuse of prescription opioids, and treating opioid use disorder.

The promotion of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) is one such strategy, enhancing the use of evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder.

Additionally, the National Drug Control Strategy emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive prevention system that includes evidence-based family, school, and community-level interventions designed to address underlying conditions that contribute to substance use disorders.

Seeking Addiction Treatment at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill

If you’re seeking addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is here to help. Our facility is conveniently located within the heart of New Jersey, under 20 minutes from Philadelphia. We have a full range of treatment options, including medical detox, inpatient care, partial hospitalization programming and intensive outpatient services. We offer a state-of-the-art inpatient facility and have specialized options for trauma, including EMDR and a specialty track for veterans and first responders. 

If you or a loved one are ready to begin the journey toward a substance-free life, we’re standing by to take your call. Reach out to our Recovery Advocates to learn more about our treatment programs and find a plan that works well for your specific needs and situation.