Dangers of Snorting Prescription Drugs: Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, & More

It is a common misconception that prescription drugs are safer to use than illicit drugs (such as cocaine, heroin, and illegally manufactured fentanyl) because they are prescribed by a medical professional. However, prescription drugs can be just as dangerous and cause serious side effects, especially when they are misused. For example, snorting prescription pain medications (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone) can be highly detrimental to a person’s health and can even cause a fatal overdose.

How Dangerous is Snorting Prescription Drugs?

Taking a prescription drug in a way that is different from how the doctor prescribed is considered prescription drug misuse.¹ Prescription drug misuse occurs when someone takes medication that was prescribed to someone else, takes medication in a larger dose than recommended, and takes medicine in a different way than intended, such as snorting.¹

According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, prescription pain relievers were the tied with hallucinogens for the second most misused drug by people ages 12 and older, following behind marijuana.² The survey also found that in the past year:²

• 8.5 million people misused prescription pain relievers.
• 4.8 million people misused prescription sedatives or tranquilizers.
• 4.3 million people misused prescription stimulants.

These numbers demonstrate a significant difference between which substances are being most widely misused throughout the country. Comparatively speaking, this same survey reported that during 2022, 1 million people ages 12 and older misused heroin, 2.7 million misused meth, and 5.3 million people misused cocaine.² 

With some prescription drugs being more widely misused than illicit drugs, it is important to understand that with that misuse comes many dangers, especially considering the many ways prescription drugs can be misused. For instance, snorting painkillers may be appealing to some users because of the fast, intense onset of effects. However, snorting prescription painkillers on a regular basis can cause tolerance to develop, meaning that the individual needs to consume more painkillers more often to achieve the desired effects. Unfortunately, continued, chronic use of certain prescription drugs (like opioid-based painkillers) can lead to dependence and addiction, both of which can quickly turn fatal.

Additionally, those who have developed a tolerance to prescription painkillers may find that they are not getting the same level of stimulation from ingesting medicine orally, possibly leading them to snort their pills to achieve those effects.

Prescription Drug Misuse Treatment

Getting help for prescription drug misuse may require intensive, professional treatment. While no rehab programs are exactly alike, they generally follow a 4-step process that includes:

• Patient assessment: Patients generally undergo a complete medical and psychiatric evaluation, which helps determine the level of care needed.
• Detox: Sometimes a patients’ continuum of care includes detox, but this is not always necessary. During detox, a patient can clear their body of prescription drugs or other addictive substances. The detox period is often associated with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, and sweating, however with the help of a professional medical team, these symptoms can be lessened.³
• Addiction treatment: Addiction treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral, group, and individual counseling. Patients may also participate in 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Rehab can take place in a number of different settings, including inpatient or outpatient settings, and will generally include evidence-based treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and more.^4,5
• Aftercare: Following the steps above, patients will work with their team to create an aftercare plan. An aftercare plan is created to maintain recovery and prevent relapse once the patient has completed their programming.

Does My Insurance Cover Rehab for Prescription Drug Misuse?

Searching for rehab treatment centers can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not sure if insurance will cover the cost. Fortunately, most insurance plans cover at least part of, if not all, addiction treatment for prescription drug misuse. You can check your insurance coverage by calling the number on the back of your insurance card or by filling out the form below.

Getting Help for Prescription Drug Misuse

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment services. AAC is committed to supporting those struggling with addiction on their journey to recovery. If you are looking for information on prescription drug addiction treatment, you can contact us 24/7 at to learn about your treatment options.