subject: Different Methods For Using Drugs [print this page] The drug addiction problem in the United States has reached an epidemic level. Tens of millions of people are addicted to illegal or prescription drugs, and violent drug-related crimes are at an all-time high. Prisons also use billions in taxpayer dollars to house violent and non-violent drug offenders alike though they rarely treat their inmates addictions.
One of the contributing factors to this problem is the wide array of drug consumption methods. What many people dont realize is that most drugs can be consumed in a variety of ways, some of them far more dangerous and habit-forming than others. Unfortunately, the most addictive methods of consumption are often the same ones that produce the strongest and quickest highs. Drug users seeking the strongest euphoric feelings often use the most dangerous consumption methods and become addicted astonishingly fast.
In order to curb the growth of the countrys drug problem, users and laypeople alike must understand these different consumption methods and their inherent dangers. Here are the most common ways people in the United States use drugs:
Sniffing
Sniffing or snorting is the most common consumption method for cocaine. It is also used to a lesser extent with heroin and speed. Most drug users who sniff do so because it produces a quick, relatively long-lasting high. It also requires very few tools. Whereas injecting and even smoking necessitate hard-to-acquire pieces of equipment or medical supplies, snorting involves only a tube-shaped device. This can be as simple as a rolled-up dollar bill or piece of paper.
Aside from the addictive dangers of sniffing any drug, this method involves severe risk of nasal infections. Long-term practice can even cause permanent holes to form in the membranes inside the nose. Worse yet, blood-borne pathogens can spread via nasal mucous between drug users who share snorting tools. Hepatitis C a potentially deadly liver condition is fairly common among people who often sniff cocaine.
Injections
Injecting is the most common way for people to use heroin and many other opiates. The typical reason for injecting is that it bypasses the bodily barriers involved in digestion and inhalation. By putting a substance directly into the bloodstream, a user can quickly deliver a highly-concentrated dose of a given drug to the brain. This causes a large release of dopamine and an incredibly strong, nearly-instant high.
Unfortunately, such strong euphoric feelings lead to incredibly rapid addictions. Addicts who inject typically report that their bodies are so used to high concentrations of heroin that they no longer feel anything from using it they simply need large amounts of it to function. Also, injection with shared or dirty needles creates an incredible potential for disease transmission. HIV, Hepatitis, and other deadly viruses are common among heroin addicts.
Smoking
Smoking is a common consumption method for a variety of drugs. The most commonly smoked substances include tobacco, marijuana, and crack cocaine. According to the Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah, smoking is the fastest way for users to get addictive chemicals to their brains. This high uptake speed is one reason why cigarettes and crack are so incredibly addictive.
The unique dangers of smoking include lung damage and various forms of cancer. Anyone who has seen a model of a smokers lung in school knows how badly cigarettes can damage the respiratory system. The risks of cancer are so great and well-documented that even cigarette manufacturers themselves are now required to print warnings on their products.
There are also alternative and potentially more dangerous methods of smoking. Freebasing involves smoking a substance usually crack cocaine from a water pipe. This practice is even more damaging to the lungs than smoking cigarettes, and it can even cause heart palpitations. Some drug users also heat substances on aluminum foil and inhale the smoke. This method produces a powerful high without the need for injection, but it allows extremely dangerous chemicals to enter the lungs.
Ingestion
Many drug users choose to eat, drink, or swallow various substances. The most commonly ingested drugs include marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, and ecstasy. Most users who use these methods do so because they are easy, require no extra equipment, and are often seen as safe compared to smoking or injecting. However, there are still a number of dangers.
Since ingestion requires a drug to pass through the digestive system, effects are felt far more slowly than with more direct methods. People who rapidly ingest drugs especially alcohol can easily overdose before they realize theyve consumed too much.
Swallowing is particularly risky because so many pills and powder-filled capsules have unknown contents. For instance, ecstasy dealers have been known to sell pills which contain additional chemicals. Users who buy these pills often overdose on chemicals they didnt even know they were taking.
There are a variety of ways to consume drugs, and they are all dangerous and addictive. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, follow the links below for a toll-free consultation with one of our addiction specialists. We are standing by day and night to help you get your life back on track.
