Advantages
There are a variety of reasons why drugs would be injected rather than taken through other methods.
- Increased effect — Injecting a drug intravenously means that more of the drug will reach the brain more quickly. This means that the drug will have a very strong and rapid onset. With some drugs this can produce sensations not found with other routes of administration known as a rush.
- More efficient usage — A smaller amount is enough as injection means that more of the drug will reach the brain than with other methods. This is because the body's defenses and detoxifying mechanisms (such as first-pass metabolism in the liver with oral use) are bypassed. Injection increases a drug's bioavailability. This means that it requires less drug (and less money) to achieve the same effect (ignoring the effects of tolerance).
- Bypasses the digestive system — Some people with sensitive stomachs find it very unpleasant to swallow drugs because of persistent cramps or nausea.
- Does not harm the lungs or mucous membranes — The mucous membranes can be permanently damaged by habitual insufflation (snorting), and the lungs can be damaged by smoking.
Read more about this topic: Drug Injection
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