The Difference in Snorting, Injecting, Inhaling or Swallowing a Drug

Drugs can have different effects on each person who abuses them. The type of drug, the duration of use, and amount are factors in each person’s experience. Some drugs are snorted, injected, inhaled, or swallowed. The method of how the drug is administered affects the way it is absorbed into a person’s body. Some ways of using the drug will go to a person’s brain faster and the euphoric effects will last longer. Any method that is used can lead to physical health problems, overdose, or early death.

How fast a drug reaches the brain influences a person’s addiction. The amount of the drug used is another factor in addiction. Inhaling a drug takes seconds to reach the person’s brain. Marijuana is one of the drugs that can be inhaled or ingested. When a person smokes marijuana, the effects of dopamine in the brain are felt within seconds. Cannabis can be baked into brownies or cookies. By using this method, the drug takes a while to reach the brain, but the high lasts longer. Marijuana can be addictive and can lead to lung infections. A person will experience mild withdrawal symptoms when he or she stops using the drug.

Cocaine is a drug that can be snorted, smoked, or injected and is very addictive. While cocaine is usually snorted, injecting and smoking are the ways to reach an intense high faster. A cheaper form of cocaine called crack is often smoked. People in New Jersey who abuse cocaine or crack are at risk of overdose, health issues, and death.

Heroin is an opioid that is snorted or injected. When heroin is snorted, the effects of the drug take up to 15 minutes for a person to feel the high. Snorting heroin can result in nasal problems and damages. When heroin is injected intravenously, the effects are felt immediately. People who use heroin quickly build a tolerance to the drug and need to take more of it, more frequently. People who use heroin are at high risk of overdose or death.

Drugs are harmful and can lead to brain damage, overdose, or death. There is no better way to use a drug than to not use at all.  

Treatment is the beginning of a beautiful journey of healing, transformation, discovery, and more. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers partial care programs for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, bringing together a harmonious balance of clinical, holistic, and 12-step philosophy. Call 833-801-5483 today for information.