Snorting Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant that is generally consumed in many ways, such as smoking, snorting, and injecting, but the most common method of ingestion is snorting. Small amounts of cocaine are referred to as bumps, which are commonly snorted off of long fingernails or keys. Larger doses of cocaine are usually cut and arranged in straight lines and snorted, generally through a straw-shaped tool, often a rolled-up bill. Such doses are commonly referred to as rails or lines.

Snorting cocaine isn’t the quickest way to absorb the substance and activate its effects. Although it’s not fast-acting as when injected or smoked, the drug’s pleasurable effects are felt longer when snorted. However, snorting cocaine can cause numbness to the throat, mouth, and tongue. The effects felt through snorting generally last for around 15 to 30 minutes.

Cocaine functions by entering the bloodstream and working its way to the brain. When an individual inhales cocaine, it binds itself to the soft tissues in the nose, where it is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream. Cocaine releases high levels of dopamine in the body and parts of the brain that induces pleasure. The build-up of these chemicals provides the user with a boost of energy and alertness referred to as a high.

The primary reason many prefer to snort cocaine instead of injecting or smoking is that the effects tend to last relatively long, and it is convenient and less intrusive than other methods.

The nose is a very vital and complex part of our body. It contains 400 different types of receptors that help us identify and distinguish smells. The nose is able to distinguish between 1 trillion different scents. The nose also helps us taste food and, to some degree, filters the air we breathe. When air travels through the nostrils, it flows through mucous membranes and small hair that act together to trap and lockdown particles like dirt and dust that are unsafe for the lungs.

Snorting cocaine can cause damage to the nasal cavity and throat that could result in nose bleeds and a loss of smell. However, the most dangerous aspect of snorting is its ability to increase an individual’s tolerance much faster than when consumed through other methods. Subsequently increasing the chances of experiencing an overdose.

The initial treatment for all forms of addiction starts with detoxification. Followed by counseling and other forms of rehabilitation therapies that are effective in addressing and treating psychological dependence on cocaine. Depending on the severity of one’s addiction, patients can receive their treatment at an inpatient or outpatient treatment center. The duration of treatment for each individual may vary depending on the needs and requirements of each patient. After the successful completion of inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, patients must continue their treatment with aftercare programs to avoid relapses and prolong their recovery.