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Snorting Of Drugs

Snorting drugs into the nose (nasal insufflation) is a common way of inhaling a substance in to the body. Snorting causes a much faster onset of effect than ingestion as it is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream via the soft tissue in the nasal cavity.

Snorting of tobacco (snuff) dates back to the 15th Century. Snuff tobacco is ground up to a powder so it can be absorbed through the nasal membranes when snorted.

Other drugs can be snorted in the same way, the best known of these is cocaine, but amphetamines and heroin can also be used in this way.

Mynegai A i Y o Gyffuriau:

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Chwilio Termau Cyffuriau:

How do drugs work?

How are the drugs prepared?

This following information refers specifically to amphetamine and cocaine: the drug must first be made into a fine powder. This is usually done by chopping the crystalline drug using a razor blade on a hard reflective surface such as a ceramic tile or mirror. The powdered drug will then be drawn into lines using the razor blade prior to snorting. It may take between five and fifteen minutes before the drug is absorbed and the effects are felt.

How is the drug absorbed?

Inside the nose the fine powder is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal membranes. If you have ever had a nosebleed you will know how delicate these are and how close to the surface blood is.

As a natural defence against foreign bodies entering the nasal passages, the production of mucous will be boosted to protect these fine membranes in the nose thus making repeated administration by this method less effective.

The risks of snorting drugs

Risks of snorting drugs like cocaine and amphetamine include sinus infections, and risk of contracting Hepatitis C due to damage to the blood vessels inside the nose and sharing snorting paraphernalia like bank notes or straws.