What are the long term (3-4 years) effects of sniffing opiates on a daily basis? Unfortunately, I have been doing this. At first for a condition that required using them orally, I just preferred to sniff them instead. Then I kept doing it cause I loved the buzz it gave me. One thing led to another, and now I'm doing it JUST TO KEEP THE PAIN AWAY (sever headaches around the temples, sore throat, watery eyes, ect, ect). This includes at night time. Sometimes, after a long hot, steamy shower, I can manage to blow a large semi-solid "chunk" out of my nose....mostly pill and blood and mucase all mixed together. It's a relief to blow this out, but after about an hour or so, I have a totally debilitating headache for a couple days, most likely until I can get my nose packed back full of pills again.

I have a professional job, at a large company, and at this point, I'm worried it could easily affect my job and my career. Also, my wife does not know, but is starting to figure out something is wrong with me.

Sometimes I have to sniff some every 2 hours or so to keep the headaches at bay. Also, it now appears there is a hole inside of my nose (I can see light from the left nostril shining into the right nostril!!), from one side to the other. Needles to say this has freaked me out - and I'm now on a mission to stop this madness altogether. What has happened? Will it heal itself? How can I make the headaches go away, or at least be tolerable? Has ANYONE out there ever been through this? I feel pretty lost on this. My main thing for sniffing is Percocet.

Please help - someone, anyone. I would be forever indebted to you. Thanks!!!