Transitioning Routes of Administration
PUBLISHED ON 06/17/24
The term “Routes of Administration” (ROA) means the ways you take your drugs. This could include injecting, snorting, smoking, swallowing, or boofing. Changing the way you consume your drugs is an important harm reduction strategy to help keep your body healthy. There is no “best” route of administration. Each of them have pros and cons, and some of them only work with certain drugs. The best route for you will depend on how your body is doing, your drug of choice, and how you are feeling. Sometimes, the best option for you will change. It’s important to remember that some routes can make the dose you are used to feel stronger or have a higher overdose risk. When you switch routes of administration, start with a lower dose than usual to gauge how the dose affects you through a new route. Remember, you have options! Knowing what they are can help you decide what works best for you and your body. It’s always good to have the supplies you need for different routes of administration so that you can make safe choices depending on the situations you find yourself in.
ROA
Pros
Cons
Injecting
Efficiency. You have to use a smaller dose to get the safe effect.
More intense cravings. The quick effects sometimes make it harder to stop using.
Speed. The high comes on the quickest through injection.
Risk of infection. Injection has the highest risk of HIV or HCV transmission, along with potential damage to veins, abscesses, or endocarditis.
This includes both intravenous and intramuscular injection. Always use your own sterile equipment and rotate injection sites.
Fear. Many people are afraid of injecting or the sight of blood. Short-lived high. The effects do not last as long as other ROA, which means you may need to use more frequently to stay well. Higher risk of overdose. Because of its speed and intensity, injecting comes with a higher risk of overdose. Be sure to carry naloxone and have an overdose response plan — this goes for all ROAs, but is particularly important to consider here!
Boofing
Absorbing the drug through your rectum, also known as booty bumping, or plugging. Don’t share equipment and get vaccinated for Hepatitis A.
Medium rush. The rush is not as intense as injecting but is more intense than smoking for most.
Uncomfortable. You might be embarrassed or uncomfortable with putting something in your butt.
Medium duration. Your high will last longer than injecting, but not as long as eating the drug. That might be the perfect length of time for you!
Needing to empty out. For best effects, you should go to the bathroom before using. Try to empty out your colon as much as possible! This isn’t always possible for folks, especially if you are using every day.
When to Transition ROA No access to sterile supplies. Using your own new, sterile syringe for every shot is the most important way to avoid infection. If you can’t find clean rigs, consider using another ROA. Damaged veins or persistent abscesses. If you have damaged veins or other injection related complications, injection may take too long or be very painful. Injecting in the feet, groin, or neck is especially dangerous. If these are the only places you can hit, consider switching it up to give your body a chance to rest and heal.
Stomach aches, rectal pain, and bloody stool. If you experience any of these signs, it might be time to give your booty a break.