Smoking Vicodin—crushing and inhaling the prescription opioid—bypasses its intended slow-release design, delivering a dangerous, rapid high. While less effective than oral use, this method dramatically increases risks like lung damage, rapid addiction, and fatal overdose due to uncontrolled dosing. The truth? There’s no safe way to abuse Vicodin.
If you or a loved one is misusing Vicodin, prescription drug addiction treatment at Cypress Lakes Recovery offers medically supervised detox, dual diagnosis care, and evidence-based therapies to break the cycle.
What Happens When You Smoke Vicodin?
When a person smokes Vicodin, a euphoric ‘high’ is produced, which can result in Vicodin abuse or addiction, even with a legitimate prescription. Vicodin is intended to be taken orally, and attempting to smoke Vicodin pills is considered abuse. Although unlikely to produce a high, it is not really effective and can have serious complications for people who choose to use it in this way.
Rediscover hope. Cypress Lake Recovery offers compassionate care and tailored support for overcoming substance abuse. Connect with us today.
Effects of Smoking Vicodin
The effects of smoking Vicodin start with allowing small amounts of the drug to enter the bloodstream through the nasal passages and lungs. This can lead to a very fast effect on the brain including inhalation of the fillers and binders in Vicodin pills. The constant irritation of the eyes, respiratory system, and lungs can eventually lead to illness. Some common side effects may include:
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- General weakness
- Nervousness and agitation
- Nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting

Vicodin Addiction Treatment at Cypress Lakes Recovery
Smoking Vicodin can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction. At Cypress Lakes Recovery, we offer specialized programs to address opioid misuse and its underlying causes:
Medical Detox: Supervised withdrawal management to safely eliminate Vicodin from your system, with 24/7 medical support to ease symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and cravings.
Dual Diagnosis Care: Many Vicodin users struggle with undiagnosed anxiety disorders, depression, or trauma. Our team treats addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously for lasting recovery.
Residential Treatment: Immersive, structured rehab with individual therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), group counseling, and coping skills training to break the cycle of addiction.
Smoking Vicodin with Marijuana
Often people who smoke Vicodin seek to combine the high with some other drugs. One of those drugs, marijuana, can produce a dangerous combination of effects that depress the central nervous system. Vicodin can impact a person’s coordination and judgment which, overall, can open up a person to having more accidents or getting hurt. A person may also have difficulty breathing by trying to combine the two drugs together.
Smoking Vicodin is not just bad for a person but can have a negative impact on a person’s health now and in the future. The medication may not be as effective as prescribed but if a person is using a prescription drug illegally to smoke for a high, this can also lead to legal implications down the road. There is less likelihood to have any benefits from Vicodin now or in the future but also this is not a great drug to smoke as it can harm overall health. Smoking anything can be harmful, and it is important to note that a person who thinks addiction to smoking illegal drugs or using prescription medication in a way that was not intended may be at risk for many other things like losing employment due to addiction and needs further help.
If you or someone you know smokes Vicodin, abuses prescription drugs, or has an addiction, Cypress Lake Recovery provides a safe and non-judgmental space to explore treatment. We are here to provide a holistic perspective on the mind, body, and spirit connection in recovery. Let us help you or your loved one in recovery and beyond. Call us today to get started.