Snorting Alcohol: The Risks and Dangers You Need to Know
Snorting alcohol is a dangerous behavior that can lead to serious health consequences. Although it may seem like a harmless way to get drunk, snorting alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, brain damage, and even death.
In the last two decades, snorting alcohol has become a craze for young adults.
If you or someone you know is considering snorting alcohol, it’s essential to be aware of the health risks associated with this activity.
Do you or a loved one have a problem with snorting alcohol, binge drinking or alcohol dependency? Millions of people struggle with alcohol abuse and addiction each year, but there is hope. Call Zinnia Health’s admissions experts today on our alcoholism helpline at (855) 430-9439 to explore the wide variety of treatment options that will help break the cycle of addiction.
What Is the Meaning of the Word “Snorting”?
Snorting generally refers to taking a substance through the nose, either by choice or accident.
When you snort something, you inhale it through your nose.
The word “snorting” can refer to the act of inhaling a substance or the sound made when you inhale sharply through your nose.
Snorting is often used to ingest drugs, as sniffing powdery substances through the nose can quickly get them into the bloodstream.
Why Do People Snort Alcohol?
The act of snorting alcohol, or inhalation of alcohol vapor allows it to bypass the body’s natural filtration system, the digestive system, and go straight to the bloodstream.
From there, it goes directly to the brain for its effect.
Some examples of types of alcohol people might snort are:
- Vodka
- Tequila
- Whiskey
- Liquor
How Do People Snort Alcohol?
Snorting alcohol is a process where the person takes an alcoholic beverages and inhales it through their nose.
This can be done by using a straw, rolled-up paper, or another small tube.
People also report snorting alcohol from shot glasses.
Other unconventional methods of consuming alcohol include:
- Alcohol enema: also known as butt-chugging, is another way of ingesting alcohol.
- Vodka tampons: Soaking tampons in vodka and inserting them into the vagina or rectum. It’s unclear whether this is an actual practice or just an urban myth.
- Eyeball shots: Pouring liquor directly into the eye socket.
- Alcohol With Out Liquid (AWOL): Similar to a hookah pipe, an AWOL machine vaporizes and mixes alcohol with oxygen.
- Vaping: Using an e-cigarette or vape pen to heat up and vaporize distilled spirits, then inhaling them.
What is the Safest Way to Snort Alcohol?
There is no safe way to snort alcohol. Any time you consume inhaled alcohol, you are at risk of many serious side effects.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Damage to the lining of the nose
- Increased risk of developing an infection such as pneumonia
- Liver damage
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Death
However, if you do decide to consume alcohol by snorting, reduce the risk of infection by using sterile equipment and clean surfaces.
Remember, the safest way to consume alcohol is by drinking it in moderation.
It can be challenging to admit that there is a problem and even harder to seek help, but Zinnia Health can provide the support you need to overcome your addiction.
Our program is designed to help you heal mentally and physically from the damage that alcohol has done. We offer various treatments, including individual counseling, group therapy, and medication management. Call Zinnia Health today on (855) 430-9439 to start the recovery journey.
What is the Difference Between Drinking Alcohol and Snorting Alcohol?
The main difference between drinking alcohol and snorting it is the speed at which the body absorbs the alcohol.
When you drink alcoholic beverages, the ethanol (alcohol) is absorbed into your bloodstream through your stomach and small intestine.
When you snort alcohol, however, the ethanol is absorbed directly through the mucous membranes in your nose. This allows it to reach your bloodstream quickly, in seconds.
As a result, snorting alcohol produces more rapid onset of intoxication than drinking because it bypasses all other detoxification processes in your body.
Here’s another way to think about it: drinking alcoholic beverages is like taking a 1-hour car ride from Los Angeles to San Diego while snorting alcohol is like taking a private jet from Los Angeles to San Diego — it’s much faster.
The faster absorption rate also means more ethanol enters your bloodstream when you snort it than when you drink it.
This increases your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) which can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication, even when a lower amount of alcohol is consumed.
How to Help Someone Who Is Snorting Alcohol
Watching someone you care about struggling with alcohol use disorder can be difficult. You might feel helpless, but there are ways to support your loved one through this difficult time.
Here are four tips on how to help someone who is snorting alcohol.
1. Educate Yourself on the Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
The first step in helping someone with an alcohol problem is to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse.
This will help you identify if your loved one is struggling and better understand what they are going through.
Some common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include drinking more than intended, hiding alcohol from others, feeling guilty or ashamed about drinking, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences.
If you notice any of these red flags, it’s crucial to have a conversation with your loved one about their drinking habits.
2. Be Vigilant About Their Drinking Habits
If you suspect your loved one is abusing alcohol, it’s important to be vigilant about their drinking habits.
This means paying attention to how much they drink, how often they drink, and what kinds of mood changes or behaviors they exhibit when they drink.
It can also be helpful to keep track of their alcohol consumption by setting up a chart or calendar where you can record their drinks and days sober.
This will help you see patterns in their drinking and make it easier to discuss their problem.
3. Talk to Them About Their Drinking Problem
If you suspect your loved one is abusing alcohol, the next step is to talk to them about it.
This can be a difficult conversation, but it’s essential to express your concerns in a non-judgmental way.
For example, you might say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been drinking more lately, and I’m worried about you.”
It’s also important to offer your support during this conversation and let them know that you’re there for them no matter what.
4. Seek Professional Help
If your loved one is unwilling or unable to stop drinking on their own, it might be time to seek professional help.
Many types of treatment are available for people with alcoholism, so it’s important to find the right fit for your loved one.
Some options include inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy, 12-step programs, alcohol withdrawal detox, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
You can also look into resources such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, which support families and friends of people with addiction problems.
Zinnia Health can help you overcome alcohol addiction and start living a healthier life.
We understand that getting help can be difficult, but we assure you that our team of experts will provide you with the best possible care. In addition, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and access to a wealth of resources, so why not start your recovery journey by contacting us today?
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