How is Crystal Meth Used?
Crystal meth can be swallowed, snorted, smoked or injected. Swallowing a capsule or tablet is the safest way to use crystal meth. It takes longer to take effect, from 15 to 30 minutes, as it has to pass through the stomach and liver before getting to the brain. Snorting crystal meth provides a faster high, within 3 to 5 minutes, as the drug is absorbed by the blood vessels in the nose. Smoking crystal meth has the quickest effect, within 7 to 10 seconds, as the vapors enter the lungs, and are absorbed rapidly through the blood vessels lining the lungs, and then get pumped throughout the body and brain. Injecting crystal meth is also quick and potent. It is important to inject crystal meth right into the veins. Injecting it in skin or muscle greatly increases the risk of abcesses and can cause damage to skin and muscles, as it is very difficult for these tissues to absorb the drug. Crystal meth can also be used as a suppository.
