Cocaine ingestion methods

The way cocaine is ingested greatly determines the intensity of the effect it will have on the brain and the body. As ingestion methods increase the speed at which cocaine reaches the brain, it also increases the high and the risk of addiction. 

Klette KL, Poch GK, Czarny R et al (2000) Simultaneous GC-MS analysis of meta- and para-hydroxybenzoylecgonine and norbenzo-ylecgonine a secondary method to corroborate cocaine ingestion using nonhydrolytic metabolites. J Anal Toxicol 24 482-488... 

The methods of cocaine administration include ingestion, inhalation of the powder (snorting) or smoke, topical, and intravenous injection. The intensity and duration of action are a function of the mode of administration. I.V. injection and smoking are the fastest ways to initiate the effects. The quicker the "rush" the shorter the duration of action. Snorting results in peak plasma concentrations of 150-200 ng/mL while smoking results in >900 ng/mL. A snorter s 3-5 cm "line" of cocaine will be about 20-30 mg of material. 

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