Drug use
support our work today

By mouth

When someone takes a drug orally it passes through the oesophagus and stomach lining to the small intestine where it is absorbed into the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) lining the stomach, and diffuse into the bloodstream. Drugs taken this way have to pass through mouth enzymes and stomach acids before they can get to the brain, so the effects are delayed. It takes 20-30 minutes to take effect, especially after a meal when it may take longer. Drugs in liquid form, such as alcohol, tablets, such as ecstasy and benzodiazepines and powders, such as amphetamines can be taken this way. 

By sniffing

Drugs taken this way are absorbed by the tiny blood vessels enmeshed in the mucous membrane lining the nasal passages. The effects are usually more intense and occur more quickly than with the oral route. It takes about 3-5 minutes for the drug to take effect. Drugs taken this way can include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA powder and crushed tablets.

By contact

Drugs taken this way are absorbed through the skin, tongue or anus. Drugs to treat addiction to nicotine are applied to the skin in saturated adhesive patches where they release measured quantities of the drug over a period of time. Drugs taken through the skin, such as nicotine patches or tongue, such as LSD can take about 5-10 minutes to take effect. When suppositories are used the drug travels into the body via the anal blood vessels and this can take 10-15 minutes to take effect.

By injection

Drugs may be injected into the bloodstream intravenously (IV), into a muscle mass (IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous or skin popping). Injection is a quick and potent way to absorb a drug. It takes 15-30 seconds to take effect if taken IV or 3-5 minutes when taken IM and ‘skin-popping’. It is the most dangerous method, exposing the body to many potential health problems, such as hepatitis, abscesses, septicaemia or HIV. Drugs such as heroin, crushed tablets, such as Valium or temazepam, and sometime amphetamines can be taken this way.

By smoking

When an individual smokes, the vaporised drug enters the lungs and is rapidly absorbed through the tiny blood vessels lining the air sacs of the bronchi. From the lungs, the drug laden blood is pumped back to the heart and then directly to the body and brain, acting more quickly than any other method. It takes approx. 7-10 seconds for the drug to take effect. Drugs taken this way include nicotine and cannabis, in the form of a cigarette or joint. Cannabis and crack cocaine can also be smoked with a bong or pipe.