Differences Between Swallowing And Snorting Drugs

There are many different ways to abuse drugs, whether they are illegal and illicit drugs or prescription drugs. Drugs are sometimes misused in dangerous ways that bypass their intended medical use. Regardless of the method, all forms of misuse carry serious health risks. Either of these methods eventually delivers the drug into the bloodstream, which is how it is carried to the brain.

Swallowing and snorting drugs are both popular methods of abusing drugs, but they are different in some aspects that can impact the consequences of drug abuse. The potential risks and side effects also vary but one constant remains the same – if you are getting high and can’t stop, then reaching out for professional help is the number one priority.

• Swallowing Drugs: Misuse can damage the digestive system and liver, leading to long-term health problems.
• Snorting Drugs: Misuse can damage the nose, lungs, and increase the risk of overdose or life-threatening complications.

Table of Contents

• 1 Dangers of Snorting Drugs to Get High
• 2 Dangers of Swallowing Drugs to Get High
• 3 Treatment for Substance Abuse
  • 3.1 FAQ

Dangers of Snorting Drugs to Get High

Snorting drugs is the practice of sniffing any powdered substance through the nose whether it is already in a powdered form or it is crushed into a powder. Substances such as cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, and crystal meth, most commonly abused this way. Many people also often crush and snort prescription opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone to snort them.

When you snort drugs, the way the drug is administered to the brain is different than when you swallow them. Snorting a drug requires the drug to be absorbed through the nasal membrane and goes into the surrounding blood vessels.

Then those blood vessels carry the drug to the heart and throughout the bloodstream and to the brain where the drug then interacts with the brain’s receptors resulting in the drug’s effects on the body. Snorting drugs also allows the drug to enter the bloodstream quicker than if it were swallowed, causing the effects of the drugs o the body to be much quicker. This also can increase the effects of the drug making the high much more intense.

Snorting drugs can also create different devastating effects on a person’s physical health. Because drugs enter the body through the nasal cavity, these drugs can negatively impact a person’s respiratory system. Long-term use of intranasal use can lead to things such as nose bleeds, loss of smell, and perforation of the nasal septum, which can lead to difficulty breathing. Often, the side effects can be permanent.

Dangers of Swallowing Drugs to Get High

Many different drugs can be administered by swallowing them. Most prescription medications as well as many illegal street drugs like Acid and MDMA. When substances are swallowed, they are absorbed onto the body differently than when it is snorted and will have to overcome additional steps to reach the brain to feel the effects.

Swallowing drugs outside of prescribed medical use places dangerous strain on the stomach, liver, and digestive tract. Prolonged misuse in this way can cause organ damage, liver failure, and other life-threatening conditions.

According to NIH:

About 4 percent of Americans met the criteria for drug use disorder in the past year and about 10 percent have had drug use disorder at some time in their lives.

When you swallow drugs, you can have different but equally serious negative effects on the body than when snorting them. The digestive tract and the liver are impacted after prolonged drug use in this way and can eventually lead to liver failure.

Both snorting and swallowing drugs can create lasting physical and mental health problems and both can lead to very serious substance abuse disorders. Chronic use of addictive substances in any form can lead to addiction and potentially death.

Treatment for Substance Abuse

Drug addiction isn’t an easy thing to face, but you do not have to face it on your own. At Garden State Treatment Center, our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock to guide you toward safe and effective addiction treatment. We provide comprehensive treatment options for many types of drugs, including stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, where misuse can lead to rapid changes in dopamine levels, increased heart rate, and long-term dependence.

One common way people misuse stimulants is through insufflation (snorting). While some may believe snorting drugs is less harmful, repeated misuse can cause runny nose, chronic sinus infections, damage to the nasal septum, and increased risks of contracting diseases such as hepatitis C, especially when combined with other unsafe practices. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlights that snorting cocaine or engaging in prolonged cocaine use can quickly lead to cocaine addiction and severe physical and mental health complications.

Whether you or a loved one is struggling with stimulant misuse, substance use of another kind, or co-occurring conditions, our programs include detox, inpatient, and outpatient levels of care. Our clinical team and recovery navigators are here to create a personalized plan that gives you the best chance for lasting sobriety.

Now is the time to change your life. Let Garden State Treatment Center help you begin the journey toward recovery.

Warning: Misusing drugs in any form — whether swallowed, injected, or snorted — can cause severe health consequences and even death. This article is for educational purposes only. If you or a loved one is misusing substances, seek professional medical help immediately.

FAQ

• Why do people snort drugs?

  People may choose to snort drugs for several reasons, though it’s crucial to remember that these reasons do not justify or make drug misuse safe. Here are some of the common reasons:

  1. Faster Onset of Effects: Snorting allows drugs to bypass the digestive system and go straight into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes in the nose, making the effects felt more quickly than oral ingestion.
  2. Increased Intensity: The faster absorption often leads to a more intense high or euphoria.
  3. Bypass First-Pass Metabolism: When a drug is swallowed, it is processed through the liver (first-pass metabolism) before entering the systemic circulation. This process can break down a significant portion of the substance, reducing its effect. Snorting bypasses this first-pass metabolism, potentially leading to a stronger effect.
  4. Ritual and Social Factors: In some cases, the method of drug use can become part of a ritual or be influenced by social factors. Snorting can be seen as a shared activity within certain social groups, which might encourage some individuals to partake in this method.

  It’s vital to underline the risks associated with snorting drugs. These can include damage to the nasal passages and sinuses, an increased risk of overdose due to the intensity and rapid onset of effects, and a higher likelihood of dependency and addiction. If you or someone else is struggling with substance misuse, please seek professional help.

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Written by: The Garden State Treatment Center Editorial Team Editor: Isaac Adams-Hands Medically Reviewed by: MedicallyReviewed.com

Published on: July 6, 2020 Updated on: December 12, 2025