Routes of administration

General

The method in which a substance has been ingested can greatly effect the potency, duration, and overall experience of a drug. Many substances are more effective when consumed using certain ROA's over others, and some drugs are completely inactive using certain routes of administration. Determining a route of administration is highly dependent on the substance consumed, desired duration of the substance,and personal comfort.

Oral

Arguably the most common route of adminstration for most classes of drugs, oral adminstration allows a substance to be absorbed through blood vessels contained in the stomach, where Enterochromaffin cells contain approximately 90% of the bodys serotonin. Onset is generally slower than other methods of ingestion, varying between substances. This method can also cause a greater propensity for nausea compared to other methods, and duration and absorption is longer.

Sublingual

Sublingual administration refers to absorption under the tounge. It is a common route of administration for drugs such as LSD. Sublingual administration can result in a faster absorption. It also circumvents the GI tracts tendency to break down certain drugs, such as 25I-NBOMe, which absorbs sublingual and buccal but not orally. Sublingual administration results in the substance being absorbed through the large lingual artery present underneath the tounge.

Buccal

Buccal administration refers to absorption in the cheek and gum. This is commonly employed when ingesting drugs such as 25I-NBOMe, LSD, and other substances impregnated on blotter paper. Like sublingual, the substance is largely absorbed through the lingual artery but is also absorbed through gum lining. This method is also used when chewing plant leaves such as Khat, Salvia Divinorum, and commonly Tobacco.

Insufflation

Insufflation is a very common method for substances in powder form. Insufflation is capable of rapid absorption through mucous membranes and blood vessels in the sinus. Absorption and onset is generally much more rapid and subsequently a substance feels much more intense and often shorter acting than if taken orally. Insufflation is common among drugs such as cocaine and ketamine, but is also known amongnst yopo rituals, and insufflating tobacco in snuff form was common practice in the 20th century.

Smoked/Vaporized

Smoking or vaporizing substances is a common method of consumption, oh which the most common example is cannabis. Vaporization of substances can lead to an almost instantaneous absorption of the substance and passage through the blood brain barrier. When a substance is smoked or vaporized, the substance is absorbed through blood vessels found in the bronchi tubes contained within the lungs. Like insufflation, duration is decreased while intensity is increased in proportion to oral absorption. Smoking or vaporizing a substance also bypasses the GI tracts tendency to break certain substances down, such as DMT.

Intravenous

Intravenous administration refers to a drug being directly introduced into the bloodstream using a hypodermic needle. This method has the benefit of very short onset and eliminates absorption by directly entering the bloodstream, however much greater care must be taken when compared to other methods of administration. Sterilized, unused needles and a high purity substance with little to no adulterant is required to avoid damage to the circulatory system. Making sure no air bubbles are present in the reservoir before the plunger is released is also of dire importance, as air bubbles in the bloodstream can easily be lethal. This method is commonly used with substances such as Heroin and Ketamine, but can be employed with almost any pure substance.