Snort risks

The nose has a fragile blood supply which is reduced by cocaine snorting. This process is called vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels). When the blood vessels constrict, the blood supply is compromised, delivering less oxygen to the tissues of the septum. With low oxygen, the septum lining begins to die. Once the lining is damaged, it can no longer support the cartilage underneath and the cartilage dies. This is called a septal perforation. Once the septum is perforated, the nose can collapse because the septum is the structural support of the nose. Once a septal perforation is present it will never heal on its own.

It is much easier to deal with septum damage if it is identified early. Medical advice should be sought at the earliest opportunity if any of the following symptoms occur: constant runny nose, discharge from the nose or frequent bleeding.

Straws, tubes or banknotes inserted into the nose can come into contact with Hepatitis C or Hepatitis B infected blood. This can be transmitted to someone else sharing them. The risk is probably lower than previously thought, however should still be taken seriously. Sharing snorting items will also have a risk of transmitting other infections or viruses, including Covid.

• Not all white powder is cocaine and therefore a smaller line should be taken as a test dose
• Dosage should be timed, leaving at least 30-45 min between lines
• Lines should be alternated between both nostrils, unless one is damaged or bleeding
• The surface the line is snorted from should be as clean and sterile as possible. A wipe or spray with an antibacterial agent will help this
• As cocaine varies in purity so too should the line size (dose). The purer the cocaine the smaller the line/dose should be
• The powder should be crushed or chopped as finely as possible to save blocking the nose
• A straw, tube or plastic type banknote which is long enough to reach high up into the nose should be chosen. This should be unused and not shared with others
• Old type paper bank notes are grubby by nature and difficult to clean and so these should be avoided
• If snorting with others the tube should be taken and kept on the person (in pocket, bag etc.) until next use to reduce accidental sharing
• Blowing the nose when a build-up of mucus is felt will help clear residue
• Dousing (sniffing up water from the palm of the hand then blowing the nose and repeating) after the session is complete will help clear any residue